Oh Susanna (Gussow.mov)

BEGINNER / ADVANCED BEGINNER. A QuickTime video tutorial focused on the folk song, "Oh Susannah," worked through by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. If you are a novice blues harmonica player, THIS is the song that you should start with. It's not blues at all, but it's the best way I've found to build basic in/out, side-to-side single-note competence on the harp, along with a basic ability to keep the beat. When you've mastered this familiar ditty, you are ready to move into blues scales, cross-harp rhythms, and all the rest. If you're an advanced beginner but have neglected (or are having trouble with) these basic issues, it's time to retrench and ground yourself in the techniques that count.

harp: C

Note: a FREE tab sheet for this song is also available. I've also discounted this first video tutorial, since "Oh Susanna" is a common-stock folk song--preparation for the blues, but not blues.

Running time: 21:35.

Another Modern Blues Harmonica production (www.modernbluesharmonica.com)