Level 3 has a total of seven steps. Here are the primary goals:
Learning the “Lip-Blocked” Single Note Technique (being able to play one note at a time in a way that will enable you to soon learn more advanced techniques).
Playing simple songs using single notes.
Learning the “Coughing Technique.”
Two-handed grip and Hand Technique #1 (using fingers).
Developing greater ability to Jam along with other musicians using Single Notes.
Figuring out songs by ear.
Learning JP's “Super Simple Blues Scale” and JP's “Simple Blues Scale.”
Today, you'll take the first step toward developing a confident single note technique. The term “Single Note” refers to playing only one note at a time. Single notes are not only important for playing songs; they are fundamental for jamming the Blues and playing all styles of music.
Even if you already know how to play single notes, I highly recommend you make sure that you're playing single notes in the way that is explained in this lesson. I want to help you to create a foundation that will ensure that you don't get “stuck” or frustrated (when we take on more challenging techniques).
There are two primary ways to play single notes, tongue blocking and lip blocking. This lesson focuses on THE LIP-BLOCKED SINGLE NOTE.
The Lip-Blocked Single Note
The Lower Lip is the Key!!!
Figure 4: Using the Lower Lip Only to Block the Undesired Holes
I recommend you play a Lip-Blocked Single Note by using only the lower lip to block the undesired notes. Many books recommend you pucker and create Lip-Blocked Single Note that uses both the upper and lower lips. My personal experience is that this is a recipe for endless frustration and weak and airy tone.
To learn the Lip-Blocked Single Note please use"The Deep Relaxed Mouth Position."
Playing A Single Note On 4-Blow
Step 1. Push the harp up against the inside of your lower lip.
To play 4 BLOW, the left side of your lower lip completely blocks the 3-hole and the right side blocks the 5-hole. The 4-hole should be left unobstructed in the middle.
Please take note:It is actually the inside of the lower lip that physically blocks the undesired holes. Thus the lower lip is the to key to playing single notes. The upper lip stays relaxed and serves to simply prevent air from leaking.
Step 2. Try slightly puckering the lower lip by pushing out the lips while bringing the corners of the lips closer together.
See if you can play only 4-Blow without the other holes leaking in.
Step 3. Looking in a mirror, take the harmonica out of your mouth and see if your lips look similar to the picture at right.
Step 4. If you are still having difficulty playing a single note make sure that the harmonica is pushed firmly up against the inside your lower lip in order to block the undesired holes (see figure 4 above).
If you're still having trouble playing the 4-Blow note I hope to offer you further support in the upcoming lesson.
For now, let me clarify what I believe could interfere with your success.
I Don't Recommend You Play Single Notes Using The Techniques Illustrated Below
There are three common techniques for playing single notes that I don't recommend. Although they may enable students to quickly learn to play a single note, these techniques ultimately cause students to get stuck when they attempt more challenging techniques. It is my opinion that only a handful of books explain single notes in a way that makes it easy for beginners to progress with ease.
1. Do not tighten the lower lip in a way that prevents it from unfolding.
2. Do not curl the tongue.
Though this technique is kind of fun, I have found that it is not as useful for leaning more challenging techniques (Incidentally this is not the awesome (and more advanced) “The Tongue-Blocked Single Technique”. I cover that technique in depth in my downloadable lesson entitle “The Gypsy Harmonica”
3. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, DO NOT TIGHTLY PUCKER THE LIPS.
This is the most common mistake and it's understandable why so many students try to play single notes in this way. If you knew nothing about harmonica and you wanted to play a single note, common sense would tell you to make a small hole with your lips as in the above picture. I believe this may be why so many students get stuck and eventually quit the harmonica.
My twenty year experience of teaching over a thousand harmonica students has taught me this: students who tightly pucker their lips will be unnecessarily challenged.
If you want a fantastic way to practice playing with and developing a confident single note technique I highly recommend my Audio download,
(*Audio quality has been reduced to allow for faster streaming)
Please be patient. Mastering single notes is commonly very challenging at first but it's well worth the effort. In the upcoming lesson (Intermediate Level 3- Step 2)I will offer more suggestions for learning THE LIP-BLOCKED SINGLE NOTE!!!
If your still finding Single Notes challenging your not alone. I consider single notes to be the first major hurdle for you to get over. If you're getting frustrated and you want to have fun and keep your confidence high I urge you to check out:
My goal for this lesson was to increase the probability of your enjoying harmonica for life. The tricks I show you will enable you to sound great while jamming with other musician as well as offering you a fantastic stepping-stone to the world of single notes.
THE NEXT LESSON: Offers more suggestions on how to learn “The LIP-BLOCKED SINGLE NOTE.”
OVERSTOCK DISCOUNT BUNDLE!!!
Just for checking out my discounted DVD's you will receive a FREE DVDand a FREE HARMONICA ("Harmonica Core Essentials: Creating Good Habits")
My DVD lessons will:
Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone.
Help you to learn songs faster.
Teach you the secrets to bending, jamming at high speeds, and all the essential techniques necessary for you to enjoy the harmonica for life.
ACCELERATE your progress. Many students tell me that the DVD's are a lot more fun and easy than working off this website. The DVD's will show you over 50 simple ways to play the harmonica musically and sound great.
If you have any concerns or need additional clarity feel free to Contact JP at (808) 639-1086 or jp@jpallen.com
Show you the tricks to playing single notes with a sweet soulful tone. 
