Just started learning

[Glimmer]

Been meaning to start learning Blues Harp for ages but got sidetracked learning piano. I'm considering getting hold of Jerry Portnoy's 3 CD/Book set. He's played with Clapton & Muddy Waters so he seems like a cat I would want to learn from. Anyone seen this set before and tried it ?

[FatJim]

It is probably the best set of audio lessons I've heard (the book part is less useful). Be aware though, if I remember right, Portnoy uses a harp in A and not C as most books do

Don't forget, in the internet age, there's a whole wealth of free resources out there and even more if you're prepared to part with some cash. John Gindick does great beginners lessons and has a few lessons on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/jamcamp06 - he makes a living out of teaching harp, so he knows what he's talking about. He also has a website where you can pay for lessons and get some free stuff. http://Gindick.com/

Once you get to intermediate level, then check out Adam Gussow - the harp playing half of the amazing Satan and Adam blues duo (and a professor of literature to boot!) http://www.youtube.com/user/KudzuRunner He's got over one hundred free YouTube lessons and his website has more, very reasonably priced resources that can be purchased through PayPal.

My favourite player - Jason Ricci - has a series of lessons aimed at the more advanced players. http://www.youtube.com/user/jasonricci He has a unique style and sense of humour that make these worth watching (even if - like most of us mortals - you'll never reach the standard of this harp-god!)

There's a couple of subscription sites www.harmonicaclub.com and www.harmonicalessons.com with free forums. You can pick up a lot of tips there.

[Glimmer]

Thanks for those great links, dude ! I definitely had considered searching the internet for online lessons, but I wanted a musical hobby that didn't involve having a computer nearby. Just a CD walkman to listen to lessons while I'm away form a PC. I'll still refer to various online lessons as time goes by.