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Jerry Perelman

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The Perfect
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Question: We have a friend that plays the harmonica while strolling thru the park with his wife he plays the 270 in different keys he has this large that came from germany and he was wanting to know where he could learn to play this maybe even find someone that did know how just to be able to listen to it

Answer: Hi Martha,
The , like a string bass, can provide that deep low octave note you hear starting each measure of music. In 4/4 time, it would be on beats 1 and 3, with a higher 5th note or chord on beats 2 and 4. That "um-pah, um-pah" pattern is a big basic addition to any band playing contemporary dance or show music. There is a book called "Learning To Play The ". I do not see it on the Stagepass.com website, so perhaps you can Google it to find the publisher.

I do not know where you live to suggest a professional harmonica player, but you might ask the local High School music teacher or a local wedding band.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry please help me ! I am an experenced Harmonica player. Ive been in a couple of Good bands and get to sit in with some other bands. Recently I have been running into Guitar Players that are tuned a half step down and I have trouble picking the right Harp. I know that I am just playing cross harp, but things happen so fast on stage going from song to song that there is no time for the bands to wait on me to find the right harp. Ive been all over the Inner Net looking for a step down chart and can't find one ! I'm not the sharpest guy and theroy drives me crazy, But I can play. Would you have a chart for all the keys so that I Play Half Step Down with these good Players, so that I could grab the right Harp in a hurry ?

Answer: Hi Buddy,
It sounds like all you need is a chart of the notes in the chromatic scale:

C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B, C

If the song goes down a half step, say from A, then it becomes Ab. Your harp will simply go down a half step, say from D to Db.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I'm just begining to learn harmonica and im strugling to bend notes any advice would be welcome.

Answer: Hi Neil,
Bending is easier when starting with the draw notes. As you draw, try to angle down the harmonica against your lips. You should also have the single notes isolated. Try using my "Straw Method", as described in other questions here.

It doesn't sound like you are using a method that includes bending techniques. I suggest that you get a good method and stick with it. I suggest learning how to learn using real music notes too. You will understand everything much better and you will learn like all instrumentalists do, from real notes. It should be well organized to take you beyond where you seem to at right now. Have fun !!

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry, in the song Long train Running by the Doobie Bros., the key of the song is G but what key harmonica should I use to play this? G or C? Also, why is that you usually use a harmonica a fourth up from the key,ie D harp for a song in A?

Answer: The reason cross harps are used is because they have notes available that are not in the original key's . This lets you play more jazzy and adds additional scale notes. It helps tp know what notes you will want for the melody and solos, and that will determine the choice of harp key. Most of the time, the standard cross harp keys work. See the chart I printed for another question of mine.

This is why I so encourage beginning harmonica players to learn using real notes and using a school type teaching method that does this. Everything becomes so much clearer after that.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry, I just learned a TOM PETTY song called "Last dance with Mary jane" in Am. Am I correct in assuming since the relative major key is C, I should use an F harp? reply thanks

Answer: Hi Brian, If you are talking about cross harps, then you can use the F, if it has the notes you will want. If you are talking about the relative minor key, then the relative minor key to C Major is A minor. Write back if you are still not certain.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry, Thanks for the site. I like Tony Joe White's music. He doesn't use complex chords on guitar either. What key harmonica would he play? Sounds similar to Bob Dylan to me. I thought I might get a harmonica and have a go

Answer: Hi Max,
Many harp players use different keys for different songs, so the answer would not be so easy. My advice to you would be to get a , like a Bluesband or in the key of C. Get an instruction book that uses real music notes as the method, not arrows or some other non-musical method. Stagepass.com has methods like that.

Take your time to learn how to play and you will enjoy the adventure for a long time into the future.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I've already learned the blues and how to do draw bends. If im playing a blues song in G, I know that the 1-6 holes r best to play with but they tend to sound very repetitive. Can the 7-10 holes be played to sound bluesy? If so can i have some simple riffs/licks.

Answer: Thanks for writing. It sounds like you are progressing well. It is always difficult to give players examples of riffs to play, as it should really come from your own creativity level as well as practice and listening to other players.

There are also harmonica instruction books and harmonica instruction DVD's. available here at Stagepass.com that offer fresh ideas for you.

Best wishes and please write again.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have been playing guitar and harmonica for a few years and have only known the proper harp for the song b/c of finding out. I wanted to know if you could tell me how to determine the right harp for songs w/ and w/o capos. Also, what would be the difference in blues harps and a harp such as a special 20 (which is what i use). Thanks and love the site.-Zach

Answer: Hi Zach, Thanks for writing. Blues Harps and the Special 20 are diatonic and the notes are the same, as long as the harp key is the same. The key is stamped somewhere on the front outside plate. Potentially, every song could call for a different key harmonica, depending upon the notes in that song. Therefore it is not possible to know which harp will work best for you. You must analyze your songs to see what notes you will need for both the melody as well as solos you are able to play. Best wishes,

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have both a Hohner Golden Melody and a Special 20 in the key of C. I really like the Special 20. However, when I reach hole 8 on the Special 20 it seems to be tuned differently than the Golden Melody. Is there a chart which illustrates what the blow and draw notes are on the Special 20?

Answer: Hi Bill, Unless I misunderstood your question, both you describe are 10 hole diatonics in the key of C. They are both tuned the same, so you got either a candidate for warrenty exchange or a collectors piece. I would have the dealer change it if you are unhappy with the sound. The Special 20 is a great harp.... one of my favorites.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hi Jerry, I'm just lirening how to play harmonica I have a book with a dvd teaching how to play My question is how do I change chords and how do I know when to change the chords in the book it has a no cirle around notes 123 indicating I'm to blow the notes. and cirle indicating I'm to draw the notes 123 here is how they've set it out blow, draw, blow, blow, draw, blow thats the start of the song "Frere Jacques" I'm stick on the "blow,Blow" part hope you can help me thanks jakki

Answer: Hi Jak, I do not know the method you are using, but if you start on hole 4, "Frere Jacques" is, BDBB, BDBB BDB, BDB, BDBDBB, BDBDBB, BBB, BBB I will let you figure out the corresponding holes to the above, and that should work for you. Start on hole #4. Good luck,

Jerry Perelman

Question: In my band we have just a couple of songs where we use the harmonica. We use a G Harmonica and we're playing in the key of G on the guitars. We recently tuned our guitars down 1/2 step just to make singing more comfortable at our age so I thought we should look for a corresponding harmonica as well. I ordered in an F# harp only to discover that the whole thing is a full octave above the G that we were using. The sound is not all what we want so...where to go from here. Should I look for another F# harp in a lower octave (does that exist)or try to re-learn the songs using cross harp, or....suggestions please.

Answer: Hi Darren, Thanks for writing. The simplest solution would be to go to a cross harp. That would also open up more blues type playing possibilities too. There are numerous charts on the web and in previous questions here to guide you in your selection. A chromatic harp would be another solution, although a more complicated one. Please feel free to write back with more questions.

Jerry Perelman

Question: An elderly gentleman in my church, who plays different all in different keys,has ask me to look for him a harmonica that has all the keys. He said, it would be a big harmonica. I've been searching the web and I have found some that have two keys and one that was called a sextet (one that contains six tremolo ). I am not having any luck. Do you know of such a thing? Thanks

Answer: I thought I had seen a promotional harmonica that was actually 10 different pieced together into one big unit. I do not recall where I saw it, but it did seem like it would be a little heavy and somewhat cumbersome. You would also have to remember where each key was as you would constantly be turning it around for each harmonica.

Of course, a would be usable in all keys, but I am certain your friend knows that

Jerry Perelman

Question: I know that to properly play blues harmonica, "cross harp" technique must be employed-- playing a fourth up from the key you are in. I would like to play a MINOR blues though, what harmonica should I use? If the song is in E minor-- should I find an A minor harp (or it's relative major, the C harp)? Or do I treat it like an E blues and get an A harp? I can find plenty of cross-harp charts and advice while googling-- but the minor tonality is totally ignored! Any advice?

Answer: I have not come across a question quite like yours. I would suggest looking at the notes available on each possible choice of harp and then pick the one that gives you the most notes you want. It would also depend upon your level of playing and ability to improvise. If you can read music, that will help in your choice.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have just started playing the harmonica. So far I can only play single notes cleanly and easily by curling my tongue into a U. Is this an acceptable method, or will it inhibit the quality of sound? Should I persist with trying to learn the straw method you recommend, or will my current method be ok?

Answer: I have had many students that tried to use the method you are describing. The problems include that your tongue will start to feel like it is getting a blister if you are rubbing against all the holes and blocking out surrounding notes, as you are trying to do. Stick with my straw method. You will block out the surrounding notes, and it will feel more natural as you get the hang of it. If you lightly wet your lips before you start, you will see how smoothly everything works. A little practice and you will find it much easier and also a lot less messy.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry my father gave me this harmonica and looking at it these past months has sparked my interest and i really want to learn how to play. One problem I have no idea what kind of harmonica it is. It has 48 paired holes to blow into and it is a yamaha that says virtuoso. Could you explain this to me. I figuired just by reading the other questions this iss probably not a good starting harmonica.

Answer: Thanks for writing. There have been many different types of produced over the years. The double holes usually produced a tremelo effect as both rows were the same notes. This harmonica does not lend towards note bending either. These are generally not used for beginners and you would be better off learning first on a 10 hole , in the key of C. Once you have a better idea of the instrument, you will be able to see what you can do on your Yamaha.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hey Jerry. I am in Iraq. When I get some down time I would like to spend it doing something worth while. I ran into a guy who plays the harmonica but hasnt for a year or two. He said he would help me out and it would get him back into playing also. But he really cant tell me where to start in purchasing a good harmonica. I looking to spend no more than a hundred bucks for now. I know some beginner kits include books and a cheap harmonica but iam willing to stick this thing out. I mean I have nothing but time!!! PLEASE help me!
I appreciate your help.


Answer: Hi Ryan. I would like to see you get a method that will teach you how to read real music notes. That will mean you will not be learning a dead end method.

Although I do not use this forum to promote my book The Perfect Harmonica Method, I am making this exception because Iraq is a place that needs more music and I would like you to learn properly.

My book is the only one I know of, that will teach you how to play real music notes, and then use these same note to play dozens of songs, just for starters. With this knowledge of playing notes, you will also be able to play songs with your friends if they play musical instruments. They will also be able to read your song notes to play along with you. Music notes are the same all over the world, and that is why you should learn to play this way. My book also has chords for guitar and keyboard players and if you have access to a CD player and speakers, you can use the CD to give you a drum backup, as well as a harmonica backup. The whole idea is actually awesome !!! Before long, you will be able to put on little shows for everyone and get paid extra money to either play more.... or to stop :>)

Most books ( including mine ) cost less than $20.00 from Stagepass.com where you can find hamonica books and Cd's or even harmonica instructional DVD's if you like to watch and learn as well as listen. A good costs about $5.00 ( all plus shipping, of course ).

By the way if you do decide to purchase a book or dvd, make sure you use your APO military address. It's a lot cheaper and Stagepass does not service Iraq at this time.

Do not start with a ... too complicated for a beginner, and many players never even use them.

The harmonica I suggest a model, in the key of C, for about $5.00 The Bluesband is made of metal and plastic. The advantage is that the plastic will not warp in the humid hot climates. You do not need anything more expensive until you have learned enough to have some preferences. You may wish to purchase an extra harmonica as a spare. Get a couple of plastic travel soap dishes to keep the better protected than the cardboard boxes they come with. Do not to get food or sand particles in the harmonica. That is a sure reason to have a spare :)

If you must spend more money on your first harmonica, I suggest the in the key of C. It is about $30.00, and is also metal and plastic. It comes with a strong plastic case, BUT, the Special 20 is really not necessary for your first harmonica.

Others models, like the Hohner Marine Band model, are made of wood will warp.

Please write back with any additional questions that come up, or with information you wish to share about yourself and your progress.

Thank you again, best wishes and God Bless you and your heroic work.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hello Jerry, I have been playing the harmonica since I was a child, and I am now 40. My Dad and my Grandfather taught me. I have always played traditional songs in a straight harp fashion. I am now trying to teach myself cross harp/ blues harp, and am enjoying it very much. However, I was wondering if this would become easier for me if I were to learn to read music. What would you suggest as the best way for an older person, like myself, to learn to read music? And do you have any advice on the best way for me to advance with the blues harp?
I appreciate your help.


Answer: Thanks for writing Mike.

The harmonica has been played so beautifully by artists that have never read a note of music. Therefore I would have to say you could learn cross harping without reading music. Knowing how to read notes would give you a faster track to understanding what you are doing instead of just playing what sounds good. Reading would also enable you to select your cross harps based upon the notes you wish to be able to play in different songs. There are numerous books on the Stagepass website that talk about cross harping techniques. I am certain one of them could help. Give one a try. If you want to learn how to read music, first get a book that teaches harmonica using notes. Simply because you will know many of the notes already, you will be able to easily match up the notes you know with the notation on paper.

Blues and jazz are art forms you read about but also "feel" from inside. Get a blues instruction book, listen to the great blues artists and playback their solos to get a feel for what they are doing. Try to improvise and copy others to develop your own sense of style.

Good luck.

Jerry Perelman

Question: If there is, what is the difference between a blues and a ?

Answer: Hi Kristin,

A blues harmonica is usually a . The skill of note bending, as well as using cross harping techniques ( this is answered elsewhere on this page) in combination with listening to the blues experts and their styles, is enough of an assignment for now.

Thanks for the good question.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hi, I transposed "the Ghost of Tom Joad" from Bm to Am and now I´m wondering which harmonica I should use instead of D ? (or is D still OK ?)

Answer: I am glad you are using real music notation. I hope other readers of this FAQ will see how much reading real music can do for you. I am not certain if you will do any improvisation in your new rendition so it may not be a direct switch to another key. Otherwise, If the D had all your previous notes and you transposed down a whole tone, then a C should work now. Please look at a note chart for the new key first and see if will work before you buy.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hi Jerry: I just discovered this site--too good to be true! My husband is 83 and loves music, but has never played an instrument. He is not in the best of health, and I would love to have him have a new interest. He mentioned that he would like to learn to play the harmonica. What is the best harmonica for a beginner? And what kind of instruction book should he have that will give him a more immediate satisfaction in learning than the scholarly type of instruction book? Thank you? Marion

Answer: Hi Marion ! Thanks for writing. I would suggest the Hohner harmonica, or any Hohner model in the key of C. Your store dealer will know what that means. They are approx. $6 or $7. There are many book with their own quick play methods on the Stagepass website. I think any one would probably be OK for some quickly learned home concerts. Just look for a simple sounding method and a contents of songs, so you know what songs will be available to play. If you choose one that comes with a harrmonica, just be certain it is a known brand, like Hohner, and in the key of C. Most of the supplied are in the key of C, and that is what you should select, where there is a choice. Please write back and tell me of your progress. I think I can already hear the applause both your husband, and you, will be getting for this wonderful musical adventure.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I've been playing the guitar for about 10 years-self taught so technically have the skill of a five year player w/lessons-and was inspired by listenning to so much dylan to learn to play the harmonica and was wondering if you had any tips or tricks on how to learn to play a fill with the harmonica while strumming chords on guitar such as the fill in dylans's blowing in the wind. I can play both parts by themselves, but when I put the stand on and try to do both it's like trying to hit a ping pong ball against the wall and bounce a basketball at the same time or harder. I learnned everything else i know from repitition and am wondering if it's just a matter of practicing both by themselves till they become reflex or is there a special method of practicing.

Sorry for the essay, but I wanted to kind of paint a situation.Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, money's tight so any book references will be considered but not likely purchased in the near future.


Answer: You already knew the answer!! You have to just keep practicing, over and over until you get it.
I might suggest playing one or two very simple chords with a fill separately, and then doing just that together, kind of like baby step coordination. This is like combining the right and left hand on a piano or especially the piano-accordion, with different shaped notes and techniques for each hand. It just takes steady, progressive practice.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I play guitar with a harmonica often and i was wondering how does the key of a harmonica change when the key of a guitar is changed with a capo?

Answer: A harmonica is tuned to one specific key and in order to change that key, you must purchase a new harmonica in the key of your choice. Other than a , your available notes will always be relative to the key of the you are using. The slide operation on a chromatic prevents you from using it while playing guitar. You will have no more hands available to operate the slide.
The interesting thing is that, similar to a capo, your note positions remain the same, except that the instrument tuning has changed. Try it out with some simple tunes first. Let me know how you do.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry, Is there any reason why I have no problem bending notes on D or C harps,but difficulty with my A or G harps?

Answer: Every key harp will have different physical characteristics, such as shorter sized reeds, depending upon the key. You will find the challenges, therefore, different in the various keys.

Even within one key, certain holes will lend better toward note bending. Since there are different bending techniques, trying various methods may lend better results for you. You might try to vary the angle and lip pressure you are using as that will always have a direct effect upon the results.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have inherated 2 very dirty . 1 is a SUPER CHROMONICA with shift & the other MARINE BAND BY M.Horner. They are filthy and sticking... help?

Answer: My condolences on your loss. You do not say whether you already know how to play. If you want to use the , then you will need to thoroughly clean and unstick everything. This will probably involve taking apart the for a look inside to see why notes are sticking. You might wind up accidentally bending some reeds or mistakingly soaking the wood on the inside.

It may be less costly, and more effective, to simply clean up the exterior and save them for the memories they represent. Then go out and purchase a new , with a good instruction method, and continue the legacy already started.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Jerry, what, in your opinion, is the simplest and most effective way to learn to bend notes?

Answer: There are numerous techniques. For the beginning student, you will find the draw notes easier to bend. A combination of slightly lowering the harmonica while drawing a note will produce a simple little note bend. Use that as a start and you will see the differences that occur with different lip shapes as well as varied breath control, combined with harp movement. There are many books that address that issue, and I put a small section in mine as most students do get interested as they get more comfortable playing their new instrument.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have been playing professionly in a blues band for about 4 years now. Always wanting to improve, I like trying different styles. One that continues to elude me is the sound that players like Shorty Medlock (Train,Train for example) get where the notes seem to almost blur they are so fast. Is there a trick to this sound or are they really just that fast?

Answer: Thanks for writing. Every master player has their own tricks they will not divulge. I can, though, suggest a kind of panting, breath technique to you. Slowly at first, like a dog's panting, with increased practice on repeated drawing and blowing. I'll bet you will soon be improvising with a lot of newly found breath control. Please let me know if this helps.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I have been playing blues harp about 8 yrs, can you please advise me of any instruction methods that teach the styles of JJ Milteau or Paul Delay, I have most of the advanced techniques under my belt but a lot of their playing is too fast or complex to figure out, any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: I would suggest a couple fo things for you. If you have access to a MiniDisc recorder with speed control, or even an ancient cassette recorder with speed control, you might want to record your favorite passages and then play them back slowly to see just what is happening in them.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I am working on a acoustic solo project and my style is a bit expiramental-emotional i wouldnt realy say blues though, more of minor quality stuff. but my question is i thought that it would be good to pick up the harmonica considering its one of the few instruments you can play nsync with a guitar but i am not sure what tuning would be best or if a chromatic or minor or distilic or what what ever might suit me. i was just woundering what might blend with a normal tuned guitar? or if i should get like 3 difarent tunings. thank you for your help, i am shopping with about 30 bucks.

Any information you can give me on this, I would appreciate it.


Answer: There are a number of pro harp players using harmonica with other instruments. This is usually done using a holder attached around the neck. It's actually pretty comfortable and these holders are sold at most music stores. Naturally, if you are playing guitar at the same time. you will have both hands busy, so a is not possible. Diatonic are tuned similarly, depending on which key you select for the harmonica. A ten hole diatonic will give you lots of room to create your solos along with the guitar backup. Which you select will depend more upon the key of your song rather than the tuning of the guitar. Cross harping, or selecting a in a key other than the one you are playing the song in, will give you additional notes ( and also take away some others) that may be helpful, especially for some jazz and blues solos. Your selection should depend upon your knowledge of music, ability to "get fancy" with your solos, and your budget (how many you are willing to purchase).

If you want to start slowly and build on this, start with one harmonica, and select it based upon a few song you play in the same keys. A chart found in many instruction books will show you the available notes. If you need minor tones, then perhaps an Eb for a song in C will start you off with the necessary accidental tones required for that C minor key. Transpose this for other keys, ex., Bb for a song in G. There are other cross harp possibilities as you get into this. As you can see, this is not an easy question, as I would want you to experiment a little and as you find your way, with these tips, you will also become a better harmonica musician.

Jerry Perelman

Question: I inherrited 4 from my grandfather when he passed away a few years ago.
I would love to play them. But at the moment they are just lying there because i keep thinking how dirty it must be after all his years and years of playing with his smokey breath.
How can i give them a thourough clean so i can follow in grandpa's footsteps with a peaceful heart?


Answer: I have advised students to avoid using a harmonica that would require significant cleaning. This is usually an older sibling's harmonica or a used one found at a yard sale. With prices starting at $6 - $7, a new harmonica is suggested.

For you, with a family sentiment attached, you must first ask yourself if you really want to play them, or just keep them as they are, for the special memory.

If you want to use them, cleaning would start from a simple shake out, tapping lightly to shake out dust. If that doesn't do it, you should see if the body comb (the center section ) is made of wood or plastic. If it is plastic, try running plain warm water through the harmonica and then tapping it lightly against your hand ( larger holes towards your hand) to shake out most water. Trying to pour anything else, like alcohol, may leave odors that will keep you from ever wanting to play that harmonica.

Let it air dry overnight and see if that seems clean for you. If any notes seem stuck, you will need to blow and draw rapidly through that hole to try to vibrate it loose. If it's wood, it may warp or swell if water is poured through it, so don't. You are kind of stuck here.

The next step would be to open it up for cleaning, and you then risk the risk of bending a reed or misaligning something that will affect the sound. Do not rinse that wood comb anyway. Just rub gently with an old soft toothbrush and do not touch the reeds.

If you do need to open it, please write again and I will go into more detail and perhaps suggest a book or guide to help you.

Since I cannot guarantee any cleaning results, I know what I would do. I would put those four wonderful in a clear plastic box, to always have as a precious memory. I would then buy a new Hohner or similar harmonica, with a good instruction book. Start learning to play and you will begin on the same wonderful musical journey as your grandfather. All former harmonica players, now in harmonica heaven, will smile and rejoice at your progress.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hey Jerry, I am an absolute beginner in harmonica and do not know anything about it except that there are two kinds of harmonica-the one with and without the knob at the side. I am also learning guitar and I would like to learn the harmonica to complement the former. Basically, I like to play blues, country and rock. I would like you to help me choose a proper beginner's harmonica. Please specify the brand and the model. Please reply as soon as possible.

Answer: Hi Sandee, I have taught thousands of students how to play and I have found that a simple 10 hole , like the or , in the key of C, will be a perfect first choice. The harmonica with the 'knob' on the side is a , capable of playing all sharps and flats. For beginners, that is taking on too much and a will give you the ability to play a great deal of music. Many experienced harmonica players prefer the diatonic for blues and bending capabilities, but let's not get too far ahead here. I also think it would be a first to play both guitar and at the same time. A minimum of three to four hands would be needed, a tough challenge for most of us humans.

You will also need a good instruction book. There are many to choose from on the Stagepass website. Pick one that teaches with real musical notation as that will integrate with your guitar instruction. Later on, you will discover other excellent books for blues, country and rock styling.

As you increase your guitar skills, you may wish to add other in different keys, but for just beginning, stick to the basics and you will do fine. Pick up a travel plastic soap dish to protect the harmonica when you take it around with you.

There are also harmonica stands that permit you to wear the harmonica around your neck, so you will play both instruments at the same time. I think that is what you are looking for.

Good luck and please write back with your progress.

Jerry Perelman

Question: Hi Jerry, I would like to know how to tune a guitar with a harmonica? My harp is in G and I need to have the guitar in G to play straight harp.

Answer: Hi Kris. My specialty is harmonica and I do not know your level of ability, but I would get a Guitar Capo and use that to alter your guitar key, rather than trying to retune it. Stagepass.com has a book that will help you get the hang of using a Guitar Capo called How to Use a Capo for Guitar