Welcome to the SEYDEL SOCIETY
On this page you will find lots of information and exercises to help you get started in the world of the harmonica.
This free series of lessons is intended as a quick introduction to help you avoid typical mistakes right from the start. Advanced players may also find some suggestions and tips here that they didn't already know.
Play with a band: Try our collection of blues play-along tracks below!
Have fun learning to play on your SEYDEL harmonica!
Get started with the free instructional videos by Olaf Böhme
The videos refer to a harmonica in Richter Tuning, in the key of C major.
Time for a quick recap
You've already learned a lot from the instructional videos. Now it's time to practice and keep at it, for example with Olaf Böhme's textbooks or other teaching materials from our shop:
The Big Harmonica Songbook - 200 Popular and Rare Folk Songs from Around the World! This English-language book features 200 great harmonica songs for all skill levels. Sheet music, chords, and two audio samples (with and without harmonica) are provided for each song. There are plenty of classic, traditional harmonica pieces that no repertoire should be without, as well as many new pieces transcribed by the author specifically for this book in a wide variety of styles. The greatest musical diversity in a single book—200 songs for the harmonica in 14 musical styles:American Folk Country Western Old-Time Music & Bluegrass Cajun Blues & Ragtime Latin American Folk Irish Folk English, Scottish, Welsh, and Australian Folk Austrian & German Folk Scandinavian Folk Italian Folk & Western/Southern European Folk Russian Folk Classical Hebrew Folk & KlezmerThe Big Harmonica Songbook is the most comprehensive songbook on the market to date and a must-have for all harmonica players who want to get even more out of their instrument. The online backing tracks are accessible via QR code and are also available for download. All you need to play along is a Richter diatonic harmonica in C major.
The Complete Harmonica Playing Guide - Mastering the Diatonic Harmonica - Step by Step from Beginner to Advanced.Discover the secrets of harmonica playing with “The Complete Harmonica Playing Guide” by Olaf Böhme. This comprehensive guide covers everything—from the basics of playing a diatonic harmonica to mastering advanced techniques such as bending, tongue blocking, and overblowing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, this guide offers clear instructions, practical tips, and a diverse collection of songs from various genres, including blues, folk, and country.Techniques for Beginners to Advanced Players: Basics of Playing a Diatonic Harmonica Mastering techniques such as bending, tongue blocking, and overblowing Step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for all skill levelsTechniques explained through songs: Specific song passages to illustrate individual techniques; easy-to-understand explanations and practical examplesExtensive song collection in the songbook section: Songs of varying difficulty levels Genres include blues, folk, country, Irish folk music, Finnish polka, classical pieces, and Italian tarantellasEnhanced practice thanks to online access: Audio tracks and play-along versions accessible via QR codes Practical practice aids to improve your playing experienceIdeal for self-taught musicians and music enthusiasts: Clear explanations and engaging exercises Designed for both beginners and experienced players who want to refine their skills
Between Chaos and Structure : Practical harmony theory for blues harmonica players. Are you an advanced harmonica player who feels like you’re not really making progress? Are you unsure how to play along with or improvise on more complex pieces? This textbook was written specifically for harmonica players. It lays the foundation for musical growth and clears away the confusion that inevitably arises when playing purely by intuition.music theory explained step by step—no prior musical training required specially designed for blues harmonica players well-structured for learning no sheet music reading required playing in different positions analyzing and understanding musical pieces plenty of exercises the book is based on a harmonica in C major, Richter Tuning Knowledge of music theory (not just reading sheet music) is the key to understanding musical structures—this applies to all genres of music and instruments. The authors explain music theory step by step, with many practical tips and exercises.Peter Volksdorf is a multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to the harmonica, plays many other instruments, such as the accordion, guitar, banjo, and trumpet, in various bands. Bertram Becher (co-author) is a product specialist at SEYDEL, has been playing in bands since he was 15 (piano, blues harmonica), and has authored numerous textbooks on the blues harmonica (the Beginner Pack series, Interactive Blues Harp Workshop). " Between Chaos and Structure " is the result of their many years of experience as musicians and hours of conversations with other harmonica players, all of whom were seeking greater freedom and confidence on their instrument.
Breathe And Play – The Art of Playing Harmonica. Basics for Beginners on the Harmonica. There is something deeply human about the harmonica. It’s small enough to fit in any pants pocket, yet it embodies the full range of emotions: joy, sorrow, hope, longing, and everything in between. With this textbook, you’ll not only learn the first steps on the harmonica but also discover a lot about the instrument’s history and why the harmonica has always been considered the voice of the common people.Throughout this book, you’ll learn how to play melodies cleanly in first position, how to accompany songs with rhythmic chords, and how to add emotional expression through phrasing. You’ll also discover the emotional heart of the harmonica tradition. Above all, you’ll learn to listen: to your breath, your tone, and the music itself.
These are the 3 questions people ask us most often:
All the notes sound good, except for those in channels 1, 2, and 3. Is my instrument defective?
Play a chord in channels 1, 2, and 3 (blow and draw). The chord should sound clear. So why do single notes often sound bad and too low, especially when playing in channels 2 and 3?
In most cases, it’s due to your embouchure and airflow while playing. In the following video, we’ll show you tips and tricks on how to improve your playing technique.
Click here to watch the video.
How often should you practice?
It's best to practice every day—each player has their own practice routine. The rule for everyone is: “Practice slowly, learn quickly!” In most cases, practicing in three 5-minute sessions with breaks is better than practicing for 15 minutes straight. It's best to practice melodies or licks with a metronome. In addition to playing the right notes and having good technique, rhythm is the most important thing when making music!
How can you continue practicing?
Of course, workshops led by skilled teachers and instructors—such as those offered as part of harmonica events like the annual >mundharmonika-live Festival in Klingenthal—are highly recommended.
There are many harmonica interest groups on social media, and these are a great way to learn more about the harmonica community and meet harmonica enthusiasts from around the world.