How to Play Harmonica: 2012

Sunday, January 22, 2012

"Down In The Valley" [Chromatic]

The featured song below is in the form of a graphic. If you right-click on it (control-click for Mac), you can choose to open it in a separate window for printing or viewing. Use the blue links above in the gray box for additional song/tab sections.

"Tabs" (or Tablature) defined- Tabs are a simplified way to notate harmonica solos, harmonica parts, melodies and songs, without having to formally read music. Directly below is an example of our tab system. Additional general info about "tabs" is found on the Tabs main page.

The chromatic harmonica "text tab" system.
Use a standard 10, 12, or 16 hole chromatic harmonica- These songs require a standard 10, 12, or 16 hole chromatic harmonica, preferably in the key of "C". These tabs are written specifically for this type of harmonica, other types like diatonics, won't work. Chromatic harmonicas can be purchased through the Buy Harmonicas page at our Store.
Middle "C"- The tab below is for all standard 10 and 12 hole chromatics in the key of "C". Hole 1 blow on these instruments will be middle "C". Regardless of hole numbering, for all standard 16 hole chromatics in the key of "C", the fifth hole from the botton blow note will be middle "C". So, if the tab states to play a "1B", the equivalent note on the the 16 hole chromatic would be the fifth hole from the botton blow note. Therefore, you will need to adjust the tabs accordingly if playing a 16 hole chromatic.

The timing for the tabs is not included, but is important. If you don't know the harmonica part or melody well, the notes may be correct, but without proper timing, the song may be hard to recognize.

If you would like the complete music for piano (or guitar) with chords and timing included, you can visit our Store for song, tab, and "fake" books that include numerous artists and styles of music.

Techniques: Single Notes [General Information]

Playing only one note at a time is referred to as a "single note". Two or more notes played simultaneously are called a chord. The two most common and useful ways to achieve a single note are by either the "vertical slot method" (advanced version of pucker, lipping, and whistle methods) or "tongue blocking".

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Hear what a clean, clear single note should sound like . . .
To get the sound of a clean single note in your mind, pick a hole to play a clean single note on—let's use 4 Blow. Place your index fingers tightly over holes 3 and 5 and cram the whole thing into your mouth. If your fingers are still tightly covering holes 3 and 5 then you should be hearing a nice clean single note out of hole 4. Do this over and over and over again until you've memorized the sound. If the fingers just aren't working for you, try putting tape over the holes surrounding hole 4. When in doubt, come back to this drill.

(View all Beginner's Shortcuts)

General Information

Three methods to attain a single note- There are three different ways to produce one note, that is, a single note, on the harmonica. These are: the vertical slot method (the advanced version of the 'pucker' or 'whistle' or 'lipping' or 'lip purse' methods), tongue blocking (putting your mouth over 3 or 4 holes and covering all but one hole with your tongue), and the U-block or tube tongue method (curling your tongue to make a tube out of it and placing it directly over the hole you want to play).

'Vertical Slot' method of single notes- Our recommended single note technique, which is the advanced, but admittedly more difficult version of the "whistle", "lipping", "lip purse", or "pucker" methods. Instead of involving your tongue to achieve single notes, as in tongue blocking or the U-block, the vertical slot method creates the single note by dropping the jaw down and slightly back and then using the corners of the mouth to block the surrounding holes. This is in contrast to the simpler whistle, pucker, or lipping method where you play a single note with tight, pursed lips.

Vertical slot example

Our recommended method of obtaining single notes, the Vertical Slot.
The tongue is not involved.

We don't recommend the 'U-block' (tube tongue) method for beginners- We don't recommend the U-block method for beginners (or for anyone for that matter) as a primary method of playing single notes. Aside from it's tendency to create a thin tone, it can only be done by people that were born with a certain set of genes (about 50-70% of the population). The rest of the world cannot physically put their tongue into a tube to produce a single note no matter how hard they try.

It is also very hard to get a full bodied tone with the 'U-block' method because the technique tends to limit the airflow and resonance in your mouth. If the U-block is the only way you can achieve a single note and you don't plan to advance your playing beyond simple songs and melodies, you may find this technique acceptable.

Harder to learn to bend with 'U-Block' and 'Tongue Block' Methods- The U-block (tube tongue) and tongue blocking methods both utilize the tongue to achieve a single note, and although it is possible, it is much more difficult for a beginner to learn full complete bent notes with either of these methods.

Harder to get articlulation with the 'U-block' and 'Tongue Blocking' methods- Because both techniques utilize the tongue to achieve a single note, and although it is possible, these methods also don't easily allow for the tonguing (articulation) technique that gives you different rhythms, sounds, and easy repetition of notes.

Advantages of the 'Vertical Slot' and 'Tongue Blocking' methods- With practice, both the 'vertical slot method' and 'tongue blocking' will give you a rich, full bodied tone on chords and single notes. The "big sound" is created by lowering your jaw and expanding the size of your oral cavity. Both methods also make it LESS POSSIBLE to suck and blow with your lips and this will greatly improve your tone and volume. Click for more on correct breathing.

Tongue Blocking- Although not recommended for your first method of playing single notes, tongue blocking is very useful for intermediate and advanced players for creating special effects and sounds. Although it's not recommended as your first single note technique because of the additional difficulty in learning to bend notes and to repeat and articulate notes, it's still an excellent technique and should be attempted somewhere down the road. Click here for more on tongue blocking.

Use your fingers to hear a clear single note (Beginners' Shortcut)- To get the sound of a clean single note in your mind, pick a hole to play a clean single note on, let's say 4 blow. Place your index fingers tightly over holes 3 and 5 and cram the whole thing into your mouth. If your fingers are still tightly covering holes 3 and 5 then you should be hearing a nice clean single note out of hole 4. Do this over and over and over again until you've memorized the sound. If the fingers just aren't working for you, try putting tape over the holes surrounding hole 4. When in doubt, come back to this drill.

AUDIO: "Clean Single Notes"

Examples of clean single notes on hole 4.
Audio/Video Help

Try to imagine the single note without playing it- Once the sound of a clean single note in clearly embeded in your mind, you can try to obtain that same sound without using your fingers or tape.

AUDIO: "Sloppy vs. Clean Single Notes"

Audio example available in Members Area.
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CDs: Song Keys [Blues Masters - "Vol. 4-Harmonica Classics"]

The album below has each track keyed so that you will be able to jam to the songs and work out the recorded harmonica parts. See below for more information and tips.

Blues Masters - "Vol. 4-Harmonica Classics" Buy this CD
Track No.	Song Title	Key of Song	Key of Harmonica for 2nd Position	Track Comment
1.	Juke	E	A	Little Walter
2.	Ends & Odds	E	A	Jimmy Reed
3.	Rocket 88	E	A	James Cotton
4.	Help Me	Fm	Bb	Sonny Boy Williamson II
5.	Messin' With The Kid	C	F	Junior Wells
6.	Blues With A Feeling	G	C	Paul Butterfield
7.	Sugar Coated Love	E	A	Lazy Lester
8.	Steady	F	Bb	Jerry McCain
9.	I'll Be Around	G	C	Howlin' Wolf
10.	I Was Fooled	G	C	Billy Boy Arnold
11.	Take A Walk With Me	E	A	Big John Wrencher
12.	Easy	F	Bb	Big Walter Horton
13.	Boogie Twist	C	F	Snooky Pryor
14.	Wolf Call Boogie	E	A	Hot Shot Love
15.	Last Night	A	D	George "Harmonica" Smith
16.	I Got Love If You Want It	F	Bb	Slim Harpo
17.	Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White	A	D	The Fabulous Thunderbirds- harmonica played in 1st position on an "A"
18.	Christo Redemptor	Cm	F	Charlie Musselwhite- harmonica played in 3rd position on a "Bb"
*Album comment- A good sampling of many different blues harmonica players. All songs played in 2nd position unless noted otherwise. Buy this CD.

Standard diatonic harmonica played in the 2nd position- Unless otherwise noted, all harmonica on this CD is done on a standard diatonic harmonica played in the 2nd position (cross harp).
Basic Blues Improv Section- Refer to the Basic Blues Improv section for information and methods on how to play along with the music.
Play with any song, with or without recorded harmonica- If you're already familar with the music, there is no reason for you not to add harmonica to it. Initially, the easiest albums to play along with would be the standard blues, country, and folk records.
Terms and "accidentals" defined- In the "Key of Song" column, 'E' means the key of 'E' major, and 'Em' signifies the key of 'E' minor. The '#' sign refers to a sharped note (raised one half-step) and the 'b' sign refers to a flatted note (lowered by one half-step).

Use these links to view other keyed albums either Listed by Artist or Listed by Style of Music or visit the "Most Requested Songs" page.

Basic Blues Improv [Blues Riffs]

Simple blues riffs are perhaps the most common way for one to begin improvising on the harmonica. Use repetition of a single riff and pauses between these riffs to create a more melodic feeling to your playing. Sound files examples, explanations, and instruction are directly below the blues riffs.

AUDIO: "Basic Blues Riffs- 2nd Position"

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"Number and Arrow" system of notation- The "up" arrows indicate blow (exhale) notes and the "down" arrows are for the draw (inhale) notes- The little "b's" under the bent arrows are flat signs. One "b" is a half step bend and two "b's" are a whole step bend (as shown in the graphic below).

Number and Arrow system w/bend

The number and arrow system.

All riffs are played in the 2nd position- For more information on 2nd position, visit the General Overview section.

Use your own timing- Except for the triplet riffs, you can use your own timing with these riffs to make them fit into whatever song you are playing with. Listen to the sound file below the riffs to help get you started.

Problem with the hole 2 draw- If you have a problem with the hole 2 draw you can substitute the hole 3 blow until you have the ability to make the hole 2 draw come out correctly.

For Intermediate and Advanced players- you can add a 4 draw bend between the 4 blow and the 4 draw of the "Almost Blues Scale" riff. This will make it a complete one octave blues scale.

"Jam-To" Blues MIDI File- If you would like a quick, easy background song to begin jamming to, you can use the "Jam-To" MIDI File in "G" to try out the different riffs and ideas outlined here. Additional MIDI files are also available.

CDs to play along with- You'll also want to take a look at the CDs: Song Keys section which contains a listing of albums with each track "keyed" so that you will be able to jam to the songs found on it. Most of the CDs can be purchased via our Store: Buy Music CDs page. Beginning jammers will find the "Recommended for Beginners" CDs page a great place to start.

General Overview [Chart of Harmonica Keys & Positions]

Here is a simple chart for determining the 2nd position key of any standard 10-hole major diatonic as well the 3rd and 5th position keys. For additional charts, information on positions, and harmonica theory, visit the Theory section.

Chart use: 1st position- If you would like to play a melody or play along with a song using the 1st position, chose the diatonic harmonica that is in the same key as the key of the song. (See columns one and two of the chart below).
Chart use: 2nd position- If you would like to play to a blues, rock, or country song in the 2nd position; using the chart below, follow these steps:
1. Use the "2nd Position Key" gray column first- Locate the key of the song you want to play to in the gray column below called "2nd Position Key (Cross Harp)".
2. Use the "Key of Harmonica" column next- Then, find the key of harmonica you will need to use from the bolded "Key of Harmonica" column to the left.
3. For example- If a blues song is played in the key of "F", locate the "2nd Position Key (Cross Harp)" column and go down to the fourth row where it indicates "F". Two columns to the left of it shows "Bb" (B flat) in the "Key of Harmonica" column. You would now choose your "Bb" diatonic and play it in 2nd position for the blues song in the key of "F".

Click on these links for an explanation of the 3rd position and the 5th position. These positions can be used by intermediate and advanced diatonic players for songs in minor keys. Visit the Theory section for additional information on playing positions and general harmonica/music theory.

Songs [Beginning Level]

Welcome to the Beginning Level songs section. Many more songs are available in the Songs & Tabs section. The songs in the Kids section are especially good for those just starting out.

"Blowing in the Wind"- A folk anthem from the mid-1960's. Take your time and go as slowly as needed to play clean single notes. Once you have the song memorized, try adding some slides and dropoffs in addition to some hand tremolo on the longer held notes at the end of phrases.

"Tabs" (or Tablature) defined- Tabs are a simplified way to notate harmonica solos, harmonica parts, melodies and songs, without having to formally read music. Directly below is an example of our tab system. Additional general info about "tabs" is found on the Songs & Tabs main page.

The Harmonica Lessons.com "tab" system.
Start with the "Major Scale" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb"- If you find this song difficult, pick a very simple song (or better yet, the "Major Scale") and slowly read and play through it 3-5 times to get a feel for the melody. We're not going for perfection yet, we just want the melody to be recognizable.
Commit it to memory- Once you've accomplished the above, look away from the song and then try to do it from memory. When you have committed it to memory, slow down and focus on your basic techniques. Play it correctly as many times as you can before moving on.

Additional songs are available in the Songs & Tabs section. The "Kids Songs", "Holiday Songs", and "Folk/Campfire" are especially good for those just starting out. Gain access to many more songs in the Members Area.

Which Harmonica Do I Need?

You will need a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of "C" for much of the instruction on this website. Double-rowed harmonicas (sometimes 8, 10, or 12 sets of double holes) are called Tremolo harmonicas and they are not the proper type of harmonica for our instruction. Click here for an explanation of the differences between diatonic and chromatic harmonicas.

Key of "C" Diatonic (standard 10-hole) Harmonica- You'll need a good quality diatonic type harmonica to learn and practice on with hole numbers imprinted above each hole. The standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica is used for most blues, folk, rock, and country styles. We like the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic and the Hohner Special 20 (both in the key of "C") best for players just starting out. The Hohner Marine Band Crossover and the Suzuki Manji Diatonic are also excellent choices—a bit more pricey, but great quality, tone, and playability with a wood comb. (Can't decide? Pick one, and try another when you need to buy different key.)

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One recommended harmonica: Lee Oskar diatonic in the key of "C".
Will my harmonica work with this site?- Visit the Recommended Harmonicas For Our Instruction page for lists of the 'Recommended', 'Acceptable', and 'NOT Recommended' models and brands. You can refer to this section, General Overview, for more information on diatonic vs. chromatic harmonicas as well as; some basic 1st and 2nd position harmonica theory, and a "Chart of Harmonica Keys & Positions" for jamming to songs. By the way, quick definitions of harmonica related terms like "diatonic" and "key" can be found in the Terms & Definitions section.
Stick with a basic 10 hole harmonica in the key of "C"- Diatonic harmonicas come in all twelve keys (G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#), but for beginners it's easier if you start with a basic 10 hole harmonica in the key of "C" (generally speaking, the "G" harmonicas are very low and the "F" and "F#" harmonicas are very high pitch-wise, while the "C" is right in the middle). Key of "C" harmonicas are the most common, and they also make understanding music theory much easier.
Should I buy other key diatonic harmonicas as well?- As you improve and begin to play with others or start playing along with CDs, you will want to pick up some of the other key diatonics. The "C", "A", "D", "F", and "G" keys are a good place to start- in roughly that order. The key of harmonica you need is determined by the key the song is in and usually set by the singer. If you are not playing along with other people or with CDs, all you need is a key of "C" for now.

Pick up additional keys when you are ready to play with others and jam with CDs.
Will a key other than "C" work at this site?-You should note that all keys of standard diatonic harmonicas are layed out and played the same way. That is, if you already own a standard 10-hole diatonic in a key other than the key of "C" (like an "A" or "D" for instance), it will work for the instruction and songs on this site. But, make the key of "C" your next purchase.
A cheap harmonica is tough to learn on- Prices may vary, but it is best to buy one for no less than $20 to $35, because a cheap harmonica can be extremely difficult to learn on. Poor construction of inexpensive harmonicas causes them to leak air and makes them hard to play and difficult to learn important techniques like bending.
Avoid these diatonics, and possibly "upgrade"- Avoid inexpensive wooden combed harmonicas if you are just starting out for the same air leak problems mentioned above (the Hohner Marine Band Crossover is a quality wood combed diatonic we do recommend). The harmonicas that are included in the 'Book with CD (or Cassette Tape) and Harmonica packages are not recommended either. These are very inexpensive harmonicas that are included in the package for convenience, but are typically of low quality. If you have any serious intentions at all with the harmonica, you should plan on an "upgrade".
Should I buy a used one?- This is entirely up to you. But, we don't recommend it for obvious health reasons, and the fact that a brand new pro quality diatonic is between $20 and $60. Also, harmonicas do wear out over time. It's best to start with one that you know is in good condition and plays in tune.
The Chromatic Harmonica is not appropriate for all of the instruction/tabs at this site- Much of the instruction and information at Harmonics Lessons.com is geared towards diatonic harmonica, but a lot of the techniques and theory are applicable for both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas. For Chromatic Instruction, songs, and information, visit the chromatic harmonica section of this website.

10, 12, and 16-hole chromatic harmonicas (harps).
Tremolo and "odd" harmonicas won't work with the instruction here- Double-row harmonicas (sometimes 8, 10, 12, or more sets of double holes) are called Tremolo harmonicas and will not work well with the instruction at this site. Visit this page, "Recommended Harmonicas For Our Instruction", for lists of the Recommended, Acceptable, and NOT Recommended models and brands.

Common double-row Tremolo type harmonicas.

Now that you have the correct harmonica, it's time for some quick 2. Playing Tips to get you moving. There is a ton of detailed information on techniques and playing theory to be found on this site, but these beginning tips will get you started.

Techniques: Breathing

Proper breathing technique corrects the problems of a 'thin' weak sound and also fixes trouble draw notes like holes 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, that don't seem to play well, play in tune, or at all (nope, it's not a bad harmonica). Be sure you are fairly comfortable with the more basic techniques of Single Notes and Holding/Hand Effects before spending too much time on this more advanced approach to breathing.

Put the harmonica as far into your mouth while maintaining single notes...
The easiest way to breathe correctly with the harmonica is to play your single notes with the harmonica as far into your mouth as possible. The further you put the harmonica into your mouth without losing the single note, the better. This will allow you to bypass the "sucking mechanism" (the front of your mouth and lips), and force you to breathe correctly from your diaphragm. Try making a "ha" sound for every exhale (blow note) and every inhale (draw note) that you play.

(View all Beginner's Shortcuts)

General Information

Correct breathing for the harmonica means NOT sucking and NOT blowing into the harmonica- Sucking and blowing occurs with your lips and at the front of the mouth. This is the most instinctive method of getting air through the harmonica, but it is not correct.

Put the harmonica as far into your mouth while maintaining single notes- The easiest way to breathe correctly with the harmonica is to play your single notes with the harmonica as far into your mouth as possible. The further you put the harmonica into your mouth without losing the single note, the better. This will allow you to bypass the "sucking mechanism", the front of your mouth and lips, and force you to breathe correctly from your diaphragm. Try making a "ha" sound for every exhale (blow note) and every inhale (draw note) that you play. This applies to the 'whistle' and the 'tongue blocking' methods of playing single notes.

Parallel air flow

Airflow should always be parallel to the harmonica,
reed plate, and reed itself.

Good tone, volume, and power- The best tone, volume, and power are derived almost exclusively from correct breathing technique on the harmonica.

AUDIO: "Breathing Example"

Breathing (correct & incorrect) on Hole 4 on "C" diatonic.
Audio/Video Help

"Survival breathing" (for beginners)- It should be noted that the correct breathing on harmonica is not to be confused with what we might refer to as "survival breathing". "Survival breathing" on harmonica will develop naturally the more you play the harmonica. All beginning harmonica players get very winded and tired when they play for more than just a few minutes. Time, and conditioning through repetition will solve this problem. Remember to stay relaxed and try to breathe with, through, and around the harmonica. Don't force it.

Your stomach always moves first- When breathing correctly on the harmonica, the first thing, physically, that should happen when you play a note, is that your stomach (diaphragm) moves. This movement creates the airflow that ultimately makes the sound come out the harmonica.

Different names for breathing technique- Correct breathing is sometimes referred to as "diaphragmatic breathing", "deep breathing", "Zen breathing", "stomach breathing", "3-step breathing", or "yoga breathing".

Breathing taught in other disciplines- You may already be familar with correct breathing techniques from another discipline (i.e. martial arts, weight lifting, running, or some other sport), and in that case, you might save a bit time compared to someone who has not consciously worked with this technique before.

Harmonica breathing is similar, yet different- The correct breathing for harmonica is similar to the breathing taught for singing or playing virtually any horn or wind instrument, yet slightly more complex. Most sports, martial arts, singing, and horn playing involve only control of your breath for the exhale portion of your breathing.

Breathing for harmonica can be more difficult- Harmonica not only involves the exhale and the inhale aspects of breathing, but harmonica playing emphasizes the inhale portion (for 2nd position) which is much less natural for most of us. We always talk and sing when we are in the exhale mode of breathing. We don't use the inhale mode of breathing for much of anything except for the breathing itself. Because of this, most people find that the correct breathing for harmonica is more difficult and complex then they might have expected. Don't let this scare you off, it may take some time to get the full, rich, loud sound that pro players get, but with the following steps and some practice, you will be able to do it.