 fun as hell. start jamming on day one! |
| Review Date: March 31, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Campbell Roark, from under the floorboards and through the woods... |
| Wow. I'm glad I went out on a limb and bought this. It's worth it for the CD alone. The book is a nice aid as well, but, ummm the whole caveman blues-band narrative is a tad cheesy, and would be a little racist (a white, Tarzan-esque hijacking of what is essentially a black music form) if it weren't so obviously bone-headed. Oh stop, I can't help with the cultural analysis. It's a reflex at this point. at least you don't have to sit with me in a movie theatre... Back to the point, I would go so far as to guarantee that if you simply play along with the CD and skim the book, just spend about 20- 30 minutes a day, you will MASSIVELY improve in skill. And the harmonica sounds really damn good on the CD- which makes you try harder. You want to be that good. Oh- Learning to Bend the notes on holes 2 and 3 takes TIME. I still can't hit them all when I need to. But I can jam along with my favorite tunes by Mandrill, The Clash, The White Stripes, and many others... I feel like I have bounced months ahead in 2 weeks' time! I don't know about or own any other 'teach your self blues harp,' guides, because this one is working so well I haven't felt the need to purchase another. I enthusiastically reccomend this without reserve! |
the one to get first!
|
| Review Date: July 8, 2004 |
| Reviewer: jed clampett, Novato Ca. United States |
| I see that this book has 5 stars and over 30 reviews so I hardly have to convince any one of how good it is. The author is obviously a heck of a good guy and he talks you through all the techniques and riffs in the book. The fact that he is not only a great harp player but also a great teacher makes this book and cd worth it's weight in gold. Another great section of the book is the extensive list of albums that feature harmonica with every track listed along with the key the harp is played for every song on the album! I got myself a Hohner Special 20 harp which is Jon's top recommendation on his website. This is an updated version of the Marine Band and is easier to bend notes on than that. Make sure you don't pay too much for one of these harps, about 20 bucks is about right. I saw a catalog for homespun that had the Lee Oskar harps (also recommended and quite similar to the Hohner Special 20) for sale for 37.00 which I guess is list price. Yikes! Like I mentioned, the special 20 and the Oskar is about 20.00 if you go online or to the big guitar outlet place that's all over the place. Anyway, thanks Jon, I'll soon be getting your Americana book with the 2 cds. The Blues Harp collection (different author, but also on amazon) is also a fantastic book although of course you'll have to get at least a Little Walter and a Sonny Boy Williamson album to hear alot of the tunes transcribed in this book. I got the versions called "His Best" of both of these guys. One other book that is no less than amazing is the Bluegrass Harmonica by Mike Stevens (also available thru Amazon) Don't pass this by because you may not be into bluegrass, it's got quite a few traditional melodies and originals by Stevens but the main thing is the technique involved is incredible. It involves bending like in the book reviewed here but it goes a bit further into bends and a somewhat advanced technique called overblows which together will teach you to get every note available out of a regular diatonic harp. Also with a cd and again, the tunes and technique here are not to be missed. The bending involved for the tunes in this book is probably more challanging than for blues harp playing. One other book that is not blues but will teach you some great traditional American and Irish fiddle tunes is the one by Glen Weiser. What's great about this book is it doesn't involve bending at all but the tunes are challanging and complex enough. Again, not the blues but a way to expand your mastery of the harmonica with some great tunes. |
SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO LEARN BLUES HARMONICA
|
| Review Date: February 28, 2001 |
| Reviewer: , NY |
| I really enjoyed this book. Jon really understands what the blues, and particularly what blues harp is all about and knows how to explain it to you in an exciting and interesting way. Much of the essence of the book seems to be that blues is about creating and resolving tension by knowing which draw notes to accent- (particularly in 2nd position.) I realize that he isn't the first to "define" blues in such a manner, but rather the first author to clearly show you how each note can be used to effectivly create and resolve tension so essential in this style of playing. I also liked the emphasis on good tone. Clear tone after all, can make the difference between mediocre playing and excellent playing. Finally, what I really enjoyed was the CD that comes with the package, which allows you to shut off the instruction and jam with the band (or shut off the band and listen to the instruction). Jon has a really exciting-somewhat offbeat teaching style that really makes it fun to learn from. This book is not big on theory-though he generally teaches you enough to get by. ( for more a great introduction to this very important subject I highly reccomend reading "Music Theory Made Simple", by David Harp. I would have liked to have seen some more information of position play..particularly third position. (..sorry...I just can't seem to get enough of those minor blues!)For those serious about learning blues harmonica this is no doubt the book to get. Highly, highly reccomended. |
Frustrated harmonica players take notice
|
| Review Date: April 4, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Tim Castleman, Enid, Ok United States |
| Frustrated harmonica players take notice - your savior hasreturned. After selling over 1.5 million copies of his various how-toharmonica books (Country & Blues Harmonica for the MusicallyHopeless, Harmonica American and The Natural Blues & CountryWestern Harmonica just to name a few) Jon Gindick is back with hisrevised Rock n' Blues Harmonica book. The first thing you'llnotice is the revised edition is huge. With 226 pages the 8 ½ x11-inch book dwarfs the first edition while sporting a new cover,bigger print, and a binding that allows you to lay the book down whilepracticing without fear of it closing. Not to mention the 74-minutejamming CD, which features tons of examples played over a loopingblues chord. With this edition Jon also goes into greater depth onseveral topics making the revised copy a must, even if you own theoriginal. "The instruction covers almost every topic in harmonicaplaying, and yet continues to focus on the skills a beginnerneeds," said Jon... Jon began playing 30 years ago while workingat a packing plant. The Beatles had overtaken America, includingJon. He played along with pop music on the radio searching for thesounds of the harmonica. His first taste came from Rod Stewart whoplayed the riff on My Boy Lollypop, followed by John Lennon'splaying. This later lead to the blues, with influences Little Walter,Sony Boy Williamson and Big Walter Horton. Soon after he startedplaying frustration set in. "I didn't understand cross harp for thelongest time. Getting it, and the sound, was a revelation,"remembers Jon. It was with that cross harp revelation that hewanted to write books. In 1977 Jon sent his book off to the publisher.Months passed and he still hadn't heard anything; a phone callrevealed that they had lost the book. It was then he enteredself-publishing and Cross Harp Press was born. He printed 2,000 copiesof The Natural Blues & Country Western Harmonica, and sold them tolocal music stores and through Rolling Stone. Several books followedand so did the praise. "If the measure of a book's greatness isits ability to change a readers life, then your instruction books onthe harmonica are great books," said Gene Berk who bought Jon'sfirst book. Jon is able to take learning the harmonica and turn itinto a process. He knows learning is not an easy thing, contrary topopular opinion and acts as a "big brother" through the book andCD. He starts off by slowly teaching some simple riffs and giving thereaders a sense of accomplishment before moving onto harder subjects.His books are very simplistic in teaching but detailed inknowledge. Rock n' Blues Harmonica is no different as Jon expandson several subjects including bending, harmonica positions, tongueblocking, breathing, and slant harp. "I am something of acollector of how-to harmonica books and tapes and I wanted you to knowthat your stuff is the best," said Joe Vitale in a letter toJon. When you've finished the book and want to expand your playingcall Jon at 1-800-646-9245 and get a lesson. Leave him a sample ofyour playing and he'll give you some free feedback. Along with Rockn' Blues Jon has also released a CD entitled Banished Moon. It runs 49minutes through 10 tracks in which Jon plays a majority of theinstruments and supplies the vocals for each song. The CD is harmonicaheavy and showcases his ability to play different styles andpositions. Jon's writing, vocal, and playing skills are superb withsongs like All I Ever Needed, Maxine and Mystery of Your Love. Jonsupplies the key and positions for each song for anyone interested inplaying along... |
Blow your money on this book
|
| Review Date: October 24, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Alex Carvellas, Teaneck, New Jersey |
I'm not a harp guy, so I can't get technical; but as far as I'm concerned the search is over for harp instruction- I don't care what else is out there- even if it's good, it can't possibly be any better than this. Like Jon says, "five minutes to play, and five years to master". In a little more than five minutes, I was playing along with Jon's cd backup track. Maybe my playing sounds not so hot now but I'm sure having fun getting there.
I like the book (nice drawings and interesting stories) but the cd is the killer. It's just great blues that won't bore you no matter how may times you listen. |
Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge...
|
| Review Date: January 8, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Rick Cavallaro, Mountain View, CA |
| I started with Jon Gindick's book "Country and Blues Harmonica for the musically hopeless", and liked it so much I thought I would try this one as well. Both are excellent. While I was no longer an absolute beginner, this book would still be suitable for someone with no music experience at all. Even so, there was PLENTY of new and useful material for me. In fact I have a friend that I consider an advanced blues harp player, and he still enjoys these books and finds them very useful. The CD is packed with good instruction and music to play along with as you advance. The instruction is on one channel and the background music is on the other - cool idea to give you more control. I don't think you can go wrong with this one. |
Highly recommended Blues Harmonica method
|
| Review Date: July 20, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Stan Shear, Cape Town, South Africa |
| After having played chromatic harmonica for years, I thought I'd try and play around with this "Micky Mouse diatonic harp". Got a Hohner Pro-harp and Jon's book, and discovered a whole new world out there. If you want to learn Blues Harmonica in theory and practice in a really fun, but no-nonsense way, this is the best I've seen. The book covers all the basics - a bit of music theory, diatonic harmonica theory, riffs, bends, hand effects - all you need to know. But best of all is the companion CD, which Jon talks and plays you through. You'll just want to listen to this for fun. But you WILL learn. Jon has a unique style of teaching that really works, and speaks volumes for his ability, knowledge, and desire to teach you. I want to ultimately get more of his follow-up books and CD's. He's a great teacher, and you'll love it. |
Excellent
|
| Review Date: July 31, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Aviv Siegel, |
This book and companion CD just work. It is fun, and full of insight and detailed instructions, not to say audio examples!
I don't like the tone and "jokes" in the book, and skim through the "caveman" parts (those who read the book know what I mean), but who cares if the goal of having fun with the harmonica is achieved!
I also purchased the Idiot's guide - but will return it. It is so verbose and dull. Just no fun! and playing the harmonica should be fun ... |
The Most Effective Book on Harmonica I've Ever Seen!
|
| Review Date: December 16, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Alan Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas USA |
| From time to time while searching through the scores of musical instruction books available, a true jewel of a book is found. That one book that just somehow manages to make things happen..and now! That book is 'Rock n Blues Harmonica' by Jon Gindick. It is everything the details describe and more. It really is. I am a rank beginner at playing harp but this book has inspired me such that I won't be a beginner very long. I am primarily a bass player but after about an hour with this book I won't hesitate to jump on up there and jam out on harp.Not many instructional books can do that so quickly but this one sure can.It's amazing! My friends and family could'nt believe it was really me jamming out with the jam backing tracks provided on the CD. This is one serious, get down, cut out the B.S. instant result gettin book! Within an hour after recieving it I felt compelled to write an e-mail to Jon and share my thoughts with him. Below is that letter. Greetings Jon!
> I just received my book today Rock n Blues Harmonica.
> I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying it. I have
> learned more in 30 mins than I have ever learned on my
> own in the past. It all makes sense now. You wrote it
> so well and easy to understand. The continous backing
> tracks,explanations and panning options are just what
> the doctor ordered.This by far is one of the best
> music books I have ever bought. My compliments on your
> ability as a teacher and a writer! I will certainly
> recommend your materials to anyone I ever hear express
> an interest in learning the harp. Just felt compelled
> to tell you this. I'm glad I found your website! You
> are an inspiration!
> God Bless and Have a Great Holiday Season! Alan Don't take my word for it...Get it and Hit it! |
Rock n' Blues Harmonica rocks!!
|
| Review Date: February 5, 2003 |
| Reviewer: J. C. Ceccherelli, Wappingers Falls, NY USA |
| Jon Gindick is nothing short of genius. I've suffered through several books on blues harp without much success. Gindick had me blowing acceptable harp after 2 days. Gindick is an expert. That is not unusual. His ability to convey what he does and how he does it is rare. He shows you the technique was well as what will and what won't work. Gindick maps out the harmonica in such a way that you can play along with any 12 bar blues and not make a mistake. The easy to understand music theory was the key that unlocked the door for me. Gindick guides you from the basics to the intricate in an easy and enjoyable pace. One of the first tunes he teaches is a bluesy rendition of "Amazing Grace" which sounds great from the moment you first practice it. If your goal is to be able to play harmonica that sounds great in a very short period of time, Rock n' Blues Harmonica essential. I only regret that I didn't stumble across this book first. |
A great starter, plus good reference.
|
| Review Date: February 14, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Edward Mueller, Poulsbo, WA United States |
| There are a lot of books out there for the people who REALLY want to get into the musical theory, but what about the beginner? Yes, there's a quite a bit of fancyful storytelling about Stone, the caveman hamonica player and his experiences, but that's just one of the things that separates this book from the hundreds of other instruction books that just get too technical for the person starting out. IF YOU WANT TO GO FROM ABSOLUTE BEGINNER TO CAPABLE HARMONICA PLAYER (with practice), YOU MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!! Rather than confuse the novice with a lot of theory, Jon Gindick gets right to the heart of the matter... how to develop a "feel" for the instrument, and learn what notes sound right -- then weave that into your own blues improvisation. Then, if you want the technical info (and, yes, it is really needed), that's in the back. Bottom line... this is an enjoyable book that breaks from tradition and shows you how to sound good in a simple manner. |
The best way to learn blues harp
|
| Review Date: September 24, 2005 |
| Reviewer: J. Hallam, NSW, Australia |
| My background - can play guitar and have had a harmonica sitting in its case for 8 years. I previously bought a beginners harmonica book and learnt how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star which kept me enthused for 5 minutes. Read the reviews for Jon Gindicks books and decided to order this one. Well, one week later and I have improved already. The good thing is that it gives you the basics and you build on them. You listen to the included CD to hear what you should sound like and practice until you get it right (or close to it). The main thing it teaches you, and encourages you to do is make it up as you go. So as you learn one blues riff you mix it with the others you already know and soon you have your own style. I look forward every day to sitting down and practicing blues harp thanks to this book. It teaches you how to play, and just as importantly, motivates you to keep playing and learning. Recommended for anybody wanting to learn blues harp. |
Well worth the money
|
| Review Date: November 8, 2005 |
| Reviewer: elvis33, Hastings on Hudson, NY United States |
| I've been using this book for about a month. A lot of other reviews put a major emphasis on the CD. I have barely touched the CD so far and still find this book amazing. The book breaks down concepts easily and really gives you a good understanding of the harmonica and the different styles of playing. The book also keeps it fun and gives you a vibe to just go for it with the harmonica. 1 month after using this book never having played the harmonica before I have learned a lot. I just checked out my bending abilities and was really surprised how far along I've come. I'm pretty much doing all of the bends, and just need to practice more so that way I get consistent with double bends and stuff. This book won't make you a star instantly, but will put you well on the road to making good music. I think compared to another high rated harmonica book by Alfred, I've learned in 1 month with this book what I wouldn't even have learned in 1 year with the other because a typical music book is just so boring and technical. To sum it up, this is well worth the money. It's fun and you learn a lot. |
Forget all the rest, buy this book
|
| Review Date: April 15, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Teddy L. Nation, |
| I have an impressive stack of "Learn to Play the Harmonica Instantly" books and none of them helped me in the least. This book got me playing the harmonics very quickly. The Caveman aspect of the book is a bit corny, but what the heck, why not? It's just Jon's way of making a unique approach to the music. If you really want to play music on your harmonica, buy this book. If you want excuses for why you don't play harmonica, stay with the others. |
The CD is outstanding!
|
| Review Date: June 22, 2001 |
| Reviewer: ohcnas, Indianapolis, IN USA |
| The first edition was decent. This edition is outstanding. I wonder why he didn't include the CD with the first one. The book is good, the CD is better. If you want to do more than just memorize other people's songs (what most books teach), this book is for you. You will learn to improvise and play confidently with other musicians. Gindick is the master of teaching harp. I've played for about 2.5 years and his material has kept me going. I have about 30 different instruction books/tapes. Ginick's are the best. |
The easy way out!
|
| Review Date: May 25, 2005 |
| Reviewer: S. Bell, NC USA |
| Simply great. Improvement in minutes, and still improving my style/method and heating up my method and style. I hit this book with limited 2nd pos. play and untimely bending behind me. For 1 hour solid I read without touching a harp. I couldn't resist and broke out the harp for the well awaited blues riffs. CD inserted and I eased out of my fears. My Fears of I,IV,V progressions and unsteady uncontrolled bends were gone. Now I'm jammin'. I use the CD features as backing practise everyday, it's awesome. I have never "rated" anything but I had to rate this toy "top shelf". |
Now THIS was a fun purchase!
|
| Review Date: February 1, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Michael Lamkin, Tomball, TX USA |
I've been buying from Amazon for years. I've had good books, great books, good tools, etc. You get the point. I have had more "fun" with this than any other purchase.
This is one of the few purchase I've ever made where I really feel like the author lives up to the billing. After having read about 10 - 15 of the reviews here, I can only say I echo what everyone else is saying -- to include the part about the cheesy caveman stuff. Distracting, but harmless.
A great learning tool that I still enthusiastically return to after having listened and learned for several weeks! |
A book for every Beginner Harp player,
|
| Review Date: January 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Richard Upthegrove, Ontario Canada |
Easy to follow instructions.
Well laid out.
Cd contains the practice notes you can replay and practice until you are able to match the tone and clairity.
A must for all who wish to learn and play . |
Absolutely Amazing!!!! by Sylvia Gindick
|
| Review Date: November 8, 2003 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I didn't use this book, but my dad did. All I know is that one day he didn't have a clue on how to play the harp and the next day he did. He even started trying to teach me to play!! I'm positive that Jon Gindick is a fabulous teacher, because my dad had been trying to learn how to play the harmonica for months, but he just didn't get it. Jon's book really helped him. Now my dad won't put his harmonica down and he is constantly jamming! If you are interested in playing th harp, this is the book to get!!! |
MUST HAVE!
|
| Review Date: February 21, 2002 |
| Reviewer: John Karp, |
| "Rock n Blues Harmonica" is simply AWESOME! I've learned so much in such a short period of time. I listen/practice with it everyday, to and from work. Don't worry, I keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times. My playing has gotten so much better that even my wife and daughter don't mind me practicing around the house and the cats don't run away in fear anymore. I consider this essential instruction material for all first time harp players and I'd think that advanced players can still learn a thing or two from this media. I bought several other training aids prior to this one. Wish I'd started here first. It gives you a great foundation on which to build. There's a little music theory that's good enough to help you get by but for other's it'll help spark additional interest. I'm somewhere in between. I can't say enough good things about this material! |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
Related Posts 
FastTrack Harmonica Method - Book 1: for Diatonic Harmonica (Fast Track (Hal Leonard)) User Reviews Send this to a friend FastTrack Harmonica Method - Book 1: for Diatonic Harmonica (Fast Track (Hal Leonard)) Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation Customer Rating: List Price: $7.95 Sale Price: $5.69 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now Product Description Stop annoying your friends...... 
Hohner Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C User Reviews Send this to a friend Manufacturer: HOHNER Customer Rating: List Price: $47.00 Sale Price: $28.99 Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Now Product Description Marine Band (#1896) – The one, the only, the original -- the harp that was there when harmonica blues was born....... 
Hohner Old Standby Harmonica, Key of G User Reviews Send this to a friend Manufacturer: HOHNER Customer Rating: List Price: $12.00 Sale Price: $8.95 Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Now Product Description Old Standby (#34B) – Your faithful friend. Whether you’re riding high, singing the blues or just waiting on a train, this...... 
FASTTRACK HARMONICA 2 BK/CD FOR C DIATONIC HARMONICA (FastTrack Music Instruction) User Reviews Send this to a friend FASTTRACK HARMONICA 2 BK/CD FOR C DIATONIC HARMONICA (FastTrack Music Instruction) Manufacturer: Customer Rating: List Price: Varies based on product options Sale Price: View Sale Price Availibility: View Product Availability Buy Now Product Description Product Details No details are available for this...... 
Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz User Reviews Send this to a friend Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz Manufacturer: Nautica Customer Rating: List Price: $58.00 Sale Price: $21.95 Availibility: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days Free Shipping Available Buy Now Product Description Launched by the design house...... 
Tube Flies for Steelhead User Reviews Send this to a friend Tube Flies for Steelhead Manufacturer: Customer Rating: List Price: Varies based on product options Sale Price: View Sale Price Availibility: View Product Availability Buy Now Product Description Product Details No details are available for this product Video Reviews No video reviews found...... 
Morning Star Incense ~ Green Tea ~ 200 Sticks and Holder User Reviews Send this to a friend Morning Star Incense ~ Green Tea ~ 200 Sticks and Holder Manufacturer: Customer Rating: List Price: Varies based on product options Sale Price: View Sale Price Availibility: View Product Availability Buy Now Product Description Product Details No details are available for this...... 
0 comments ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment