Country & Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless: Revised Book and 73-Minute CD

Very well written nand organized book. The included CD will have you playing great blues riffs in short order. Learn how it’s done without slogging through pages of music theory.

This book is a good way to start if you know absolutely nothing about cross harp playing, will develop you some riffs and start from the very basics to some mid-intermediate skills such as bending.Jon Gindick is a good teacher, but I found this book too short and really basic.It goes directly to blues-style cross harp playing with a little intro in First position (which you actually need to start there to have a better base)Stuff as Tongue blocking, or rhythmical patterns are almost not touched at all (really briefly)There is no "Country Harp" at all, just a 5 notes riff in a page that is just tabbed out, but that riff ain't on the CD so since there is no musical notation or recording for it you won't know how to play it "Countryfied"It is a good book but I recommend you more Harmonica For Dummies by Winslow Yerxa since it touches several positions, scales, and playing styles and different techniques in a more than 300 pages book.Focused on Major Scale songs, blues, country, folk and even fiddle tunes and stuffThe good part, the explanation for some techniques as bending or vibrato are really good, Jon Gindick as an awesome approach to make you feel musical and to help making a muscle memory and can be such an inspiring person

I have been playing harmonica for about 20 years, ever since I read this book. It is a very simple book but for Country, Rock and Blues it's the only one you'll ever need. I get props for my harping all the time and have played for audiences of every size and even on live television. Everything I know about the harmonica I learned in this book. I'm no John Popper and I never will be but I have a ton of fun and usually so does my audience. If you only ever read one book about how to play harmonica or even the blues in general, make it this one and you'll most likely be just fine.

The author's online tutorials are a master class in how to be a fun, memorable and effective teacher.

I have bought all the tapes, then CDs and this one Was The One that really was helpful and fun and groving. It is the one to leave on in the car forever. Grab your C harp, plug in the CD, and just enjoy playing along.Got the first version of Jon Gindicks Country and Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless in 1986, as a tape of course. learned the good morning riff and I was playing. 26 years later Im still listening to it now an again for its Good Vibes.Peace out! harp players

I bought this book as a gift for my friend, who HAS described himself as "musically hopeless" in a regrettable way. So I thought a combination of a new harmonica, THIS book, and my faith in him might spur him on to great musical things! If anything, he'll just get a kick out of it... but looking through the book, I dunno... it might just be the ticket! It's fun to read and simple to understand. It comes with an accompanying CD which I haven't listened to, but I think it's a vital part of this learning process. So, though I haven't given the gift yet, I'M pleased with the product thus far... and perhaps I'll update you all on my friend's progress down the road. ;)

I'm a Highland bagpiper, but I've been wanting to learn to play the harmonica for years. I've bought lots of tutor books, but none of them brought me to a place where I truly "got" it. Until this book/CD came along. I've listened to the entire 73-minute CD and immediately picked up tips that helped me learn this diminuitive instrument! The most important message that Jon conveys throughout this book is that YOU are the instrument! The music and rhythm come from YOU, and the harmonica only gives it voice. That concept alone sets this book apart from the tutorials out there, and I think it's the key that will finally allow me to "get" it! Like I said in my title, this is an EXCELLENT choice for beginners!

Out of the 3 people I've purchased similar products from, Jon is the best teacher and he makes it fun. Jon is just so good at breaking it down to small riffs, then before you know it, you are playing them and putting them together and they sound pretty good. I was playing acceptable stuff in just a few days and I was pretty much a raw beginner. Honestly I still am which is why, I am so sold on Jon and his teaching techniques, that I will be spending some serious money on one of his Jam Camps in Mississippi this year. Keep up the amazing work Jon.

Looks like a fairly comprehensive introduction to harmonica playing! Not sure that the "musically hopeless" would understand it all however! I suppose if one takes one's time and thoroughly gets to grips with each section all will be explained! I know there is no real way to learn any insturment except by working at it bit the cover of this book makes it seem as if it will be a doddle using this method when in fact some amount of effort will of course be required!!! The humour of the cover is belied a bit by the contents but it is a worth while acquisition for those trying harmonica for the first time [I hope!!] Bought this as a gift so time will tell if the recipient cracks it or not!!

Jon is a gifted musician and storyteller with a natural charm so his books are always a pleasure - this is my third. I struggled with the harp for many years and had pretty much lost interest until I came across Jon's books here on Amazon by chance. Each book and CD package is well thought out, simple without being overly so as well as being incredibly engrossing - I can while away many hours with the CD headphones in my ears and my harp in my mouth. With any of these packages, you inevitably progress at your own pace but Jon makes it really fun to learn.

I am happy enough with this book. I am at a really early stage of learning to play the blues harp and this is one of three books with which I am seeking to make progress.

Buy this book 10 out of 10.you can't go wrong with jon Gindick.easy to follow ,gets you sounding like you can actually play BLUES.I have many harp instructional books and Jon Gindick's are among the best ,if not the best.

Great book and CD.John Gindick is a very good teacher,also check out videos on YouTube they are also very good.