Best Blues Harmonica Players
BrianScott01The Top Ten

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's difficult 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
Simply the best but no mention on this site of one of Americas most influential guitarists Michael Bloomfield should be in the first three probably number one.
V 3 CommentsLush, if you've never ridden in a 1972 Cadillac Coupe Deville at 100 miles an hour you don't understand. Every time I listen to him you hear different layer and the different angle. Not what you call fancy. Just deep!
The pioneer of amplified harp, and really the only choice, overall, for #2. A great deal is owed him.
Correction: Hadn't noticed Jimmy was on this list. He doesn't belong here any more than does Mick Jagger. Jimmy was a repetitive screecher; pretty much a one-trick pony with little imagination and no virtuosity in his playing. Anyone breathing could master his "technique" in a week or less.
This is quite ironic. You'd think with a name like Reed, he'd be better than his name suggests, but he's actually one of the weakest harp players on this list. - Britgirl
My personal taste would say that Jimmy Reed's playing is a little screechy and scratchy. For me, it has to be smooth and have that 'up and down' flow like sea waves. Paul Butterfield, Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite, Taj Mahal and King Biscuit Boy are all able to produce that perfect sound. - Britgirl
No one sounded like Walter Horton! Absolutely amazing!
Everybody borrowed from Shakey, including me. (Oops... Fergot. Ah'm invisible, now.)

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
Not a harmonica player. Shouldn't be on the list.

For an overview of Charlie in his prime, check "Arkansas Boogie," "Help Me," "Blu Stu," and "Christo Redemptor" (piano version).
Charlie Musselwhite is a fabulous blues harmonica player. One of the best, if not the best.
I've seen him live in several blues clubs, and he
always blew me away.
'God Bless Charlie"
Jimmy D.
Charlie playes his heart out. Like B.B.King on Lucille!
No one has the speed, preciseness and diversity coupled with the ability to play with such soul. The Jimmy Hendrix of the harp.
Belongs in the top 10.
Superb.
Completely disagree about Ricci. No "soul" - simply a shredder with weak musicality.
The Newcomers
The Contenders
Simply just incredible I can listen to his solo's all day long.
He should be up at the top, this list is ridiculous having him all the way down here at 15, really?
I actually met him once - Solacress
Move him up.
Boogie Chillen No2 by Hooker at Heat
Never reached his full potential. Drugs and depression took him out early. For sumpin' tasty, try "Huautla" (Canned Heat).
Cotton in his prime was right up there with his mentor Sonny Boy Williamson
Not sure why,but Bell's playing always makes my ears perk up.
He has to be heard to be believed He can play all types of Blues, but I particularly love his slow Blues. He's just incredible. Check him out on YouTube as soon as you've read this. Any Blues harmonica enthusiast will not be disappointed. Oh, and he's English. Just saying... - Britgirl

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
23 is too low!

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.
Check out "D.O.G." The song's a hoot, and his licks mighty respectable.
Saw little charlie and the nightcats twice. Rick estrin is awesome
So is little charlie by the way
What does it matter if he's Spanish? Great harmonica playing speaks the same beautiful language the whole world over. - Britgirl

Rich was an old acquaintance of mine, and a really nice guy. And when he was switched on, he was pure screamin' smoke. RIP.
Cold Chisel don't necessarily play the blues but Blight is a blues harp player, a great one at that. Just watch some live performances. - BrianScott01
"Great" is quite a stretch. "Fair" would be much more accurate.


Long Neck Bottles is good. - Britgirl
Lead with Manfred Mann - 76 and still playing at his best. Got to be in the top ten!
What is it with great Blues harmonica players and the name Paul? - Britgirl

JUST DAM GOOD
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