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PLAYING
There are 2 ways to play single notes on the harmonica.
Whistle Style
Position your mouth as if to whistle, and carefully align the round
opening of the lips at the desired tone hole. In this style, the mouth
moves to the desired tone hole and the harmonica is generally herd in a
stationary position.
Tongue Assist Style
Position your mouth on the harmonica so that your lips cover 4 tone holes.
Then use your tongue to cover the 3 tone holes on the left side, so that the
4th tone hole (right side) is open. In this style the harmonica is sided to the
right or left while holding your mouth and tongue in the same position.
NOTE POSITIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
The harmonica is played by blowing or drawing your breath at the various tone holes. The following chart
shows the positions of the notes of a basic 10 hole harmonica in the key of "C". You will also notice that as
well as playing single notes, it is possible to blow or draw multiple notes (chords). For example, if the
player was to blow tone holes 1, 2, 3, (#4 is optional) the notes played would be C, E, G (C) or a "C" major
chord. Using this method in various positions with the blow and draw method, rock, blues and other chord
patterns are easy to play and a lot of fun !!
blow
C
C
D
draw
SPECIAL EFFECTS
The top harmonica players use effects like vibrato and pitch bending to
express their own musical style in blues, rock and country music.
These effects are not hard to learn and are fun to experiment with.
Vibrato
Cup your hands as shown and start by playing a sustained note while opening and closing your fingers.
You will soon see how the movement and speed of your finger motions produce a vibrato effect and by
experimenting you should be able to produce various effects with a minimum of practice.
Pitch Bending
This effect consists of changing (de-tuning) the pitch. This is done by changing the tongue position, mouth
position and increasing or decreasing the breath pressure while blowing or drawing. With a minimum of
practice you should be able to bend notes and master this technique.
E
G C
1
2
3
G B
E
G
4
5
6
D
F
A
Lips
Tongue
1
2
C
E
G
7
8
9
B
D
F
3
4
5
C
10
A
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