how to transform your life with a harmonica

This is NOT a harmonica lesson. It is a series of life lessons that present themselves to any seeker who is using, or considering using, a harmonica as a way of expressing what's inside and pushing beyond whatever fears is holding them back.

With Adam Gussow of Modern Blues Harmonica. Gussow is the subject of an award-winning Netflix documentary, "Satan & Adam"

[johnahenkel]

Hi Adam, I got my first Harmonica when I was 16 in my Christmas stocking, 1969, the next year I dropped out of High school and started hitchhiking around California. I spent many lonely nights in the middle of nowhere waiting for a ride and my harp was my only companion. I wasn't very good but it was my music. Over the years I began to practice blues and got better, I always wanted to be in a band but never thought I was good enough. I started to find open mics and jams and gained more love of the instrument, but life took me in many directions. After raising two kids, now doing great on their own, I still had this yearning to play with other musicians in public. Yes I have played under bridges in Paris and Basel, and early on in gas station bathrooms for the reverb. Lately, at work, I play in the stairwell and do get some love. One day a few months back I was on a walk around the parking lot playing my harp with my earbuds in jamming like crazy and a guy on a Harley pulled up along side of me and stopped. He asked if I was in a Band, I said not right now, he invited me to play with their band, I've been Playing with them a few months now. I it really amazing when things click and I feel appreciated for my musical contribution. I'm looking forward to where this might lead. Thanks for your videos!

[Arrick]

When my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, I fell into a deep depression. I was staying up all night long searching Google for cures, treatments, causes, etc. I had my grandpa's Hohner sitting on my desk, but could never figure it out. I searched YouTube for "How to pay blues harmonica" and found your videos and forum. One at a time, I started chipping away. I'll never forget shouting out loud (in a room all by myself) when pulled down a 2-draw bend and it stuck! I was obsessed with my son's condition and replaced that with an obsession of blues harmonica. You helped me convert something deeply difficult into something that gives me peace and comfort. Thank you, Adam!!!

[MrSpanky]

"You're never too old to live the life you could have live." I started harp when I was 61. Fairly advanced now. I am able to express whats been in my heart with this instrument all my life. I don't think I'll ever stop exploring. It's a lifelong persuit.

[tnysteph]

At age 52 I picked up the harmonica and started the journey. At 61 I love the harmonica and I am still on the journey.

[ahfoonyork]

After nearly 40 years of playing rock guitar, I got colon cancer. During chemo, I lost the sensation in my fingers... I tried, but cannot play anymore. I just picked up the harmonica, and it's a new starting point. One day, I hope to be at least as good on the harp as I was on my guitar... it's hard not to be proficient on an instrument. Thanks for the video, it's very inspiring.

[frasjjbbsi]

Should be a " Ted Talk" thanx Adam.

[blackhorsethACR]

I'm a Disabled American Veteran. I've only been playing for two months. I deal with incredible pain issues having 41 operations and need more. I have been bed ridden for over a month. I also deal with PTSD. I'm in my 60s. I am so determined to learn to play and It actually eases my pain. Something about the harmonica has become my passion. I just keep practicing and appreciate your videos the best. I can't thank you enough for your help and your acceptance of your fellow human being. I have read Joseph Campbell and love "The power of myth" with Bill Moyer's. I sometimes practice for several hours daily and hopefully will be a decent player one day. All I know is I love it and won't quit no matter what.

[carlgrimsley]

I have a huge amount of respect for Adam, not withstanding his brilliant harmonica playing, he has a great soul too.

[DamoBloggs]

Ha! I just turned 60, and someone gave me a blues harmonica for my birthday. So I went browsing for help, and I found your channel. Just meant to be I guess.
Help me Obe Gussow Nobi, you're my only hope!

[Absorption]

Dang, this is good. I pulled out my harmonica about 5 years ago and began playing hymns and folk songs for my hospice patients. Changed me, changed my work and care for people. This is the first bit of coaching and philosophy on using the instrument to make life better and more pleasurable that I’ve come across. I hope you talk about this some more. Inspiring!

[JLee-bies]

Sitting here with depression and anxiety. I have something that helps me cope and that's my harmonicas, so much power in such a little instrument.

[andydunn]

Adam
You are my guru
My music master
My blues inspiration
And harmonica teacher par excellence
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

[gussowsclassicbluesharmoni]

I'll be playing with my Blues Doctors duo this weekend (July 12-13, 2019) at the Greenwood SC blues cruise. Come on down! Make the drive! Buy me a drink!

[naninani]

Hey really late comment, But I recently bought one, a Marine Band . I have only had it for 3 days but im deeply in love with it and I play it every min that my family is kind of annoyed now, I live in a suburb in a full city also in a full house. But I love it so much I play it out loud in my room and I hope to go far into the country side where my aunty lives and sit in the meadows under the sun or moon and play as loud as I want. Im in love

[javadkhazen]

i am 69 years old and it is nearly 6 months that i am trying to learn and play harmonica, believe me it has taken me out of loneliness and thank u that i have seen a lot of ur utube lessens god bless u.

[larrymogen]

I had a stroke when I was 65, and can no longer play my guitar, I want to enjoy music on an instrument again
You are so right!

[MegaSimsie]

Recorded 3 years ago, but just as important now than it's ever been.
At 38, I've been a musician most of my life playing guitar and bass. I played hundreds of shows in punk rock bands around the UK and Europe, but I've always loved the blues, ever since I was a kid.
I stopped being a professional musician a long long time ago. But the harmonica is an instrument I've always admired and I was already very familiar with your work from over here in Ireland.
Thank you for your music and for your years dedicated to the craft.
After watching this, you've inspired me to start my own journey into the blues. Harmonica on the way too. It'll be a ride.

[BuzzhawgProductions]

It was my dad's dream to learn to play the harmonica. He could never whistle so needless to say, he had a hard time with it. He recently passed away and I got his collection of Hohner Marine Band harps. It's a full set. Every key plus quite a few extra harmonicas to play around with. I've been practicing my butt off for the past month or so.. for dad. I've been watching your videos and you've been a great help. I'm at the point where I'm hitting solid single notes and learning to bend easily. Thank you for making this process easier for me.

[Jam-mm]

Excellent. Thank you for your thoughts. I’m 70 years old. You used the correct inspiring words to motivate me to continue working on my harmonica skills.

[veronicamorgan]

Hi, I'm Veronica with about 7 Harmonicas.

I love it I'm 62yrs old and I love your message....it helps me breathe and the sounds I make are very rewarding! :-/)