Best Blues Harmonica Players

Even "extraordinary" is an understatement. Part of the magic derives from his playing harp upside-down and backwards. As a result, his tone was fuller and richer than anyone before or since, owing to his oral cavity being in unorthodox juxtaposition vis-a-vis the blow and draw plates. Because he played right-to-left, he came upon licks and created runs never before heard. His wind was superhuman. His vibrato is unmatched to this day. His use of chords was revolutionary, and when he laid vibrato on his chords, the effect was celestial, as it was with single notes, as well. You'll not see his like again. Though his musical ability was superhuman, May 4th marked thirty years since we lost him to his own all-too-human weaknesses. RIP.

While it was difficult to me to choose a best Blues Artist, choosing a best Harmonica Player is so much easier. Where I love listening to Little Walter, Charlie Musselwhite et al, Paul's playing is hypnotic; it's like there's nothing else in the world except me and this amazing sound. When he plays, I drift. Simple. - Britgirl

What can I add that hadn't been so eloquently put already? He deserves to take gold. Simple. - Britgirl

All the other people on this list could be in any order except Mr Butterfield. The way he plays the harp is just extraordinary. - BrianScott01

Owing to national pride and other emotional attachments, some may think Jagger "deserves" to be here. But reality bites, and he really is not a good harp player, and certainly far outside the abilities and musicality of everyone else on this list. Sorry, but what is, IS.

Sorry, but Jagger has no place on this list. He's been at it for at least fifty-five years, and still sounds about like I did when when I'd been playing less than a year, forty-five years ago.

He does deserve to be here and I'm glad he was added. - Britgirl

For an overview of Charlie in his prime, check "Arkansas Boogie," "Help Me," "Blu Stu," and "Christo Redemptor" (piano version).

Rich was an old acquaintance of mine, and a really nice guy. And when he was switched on, he was pure screamin' smoke. RIP.

Butterfield is rightly first choice but Taj's talent with the harp mustn't go unnoticed. Should really be in the top five. - Britgirl

Dirty, greasy, juicy, slurry, throaty harp. Loved him for more decades than I care t'member.

I didn't add him into the top 10 at first because his only really impressive harp playing is on When The Levee Breaks. - BrianScott01