A Musical Playground: Harmonica Resources

Not many people can resist the warm and melodic notes that float out of a harmonica. Whether you want to learn how to play vivid blues strains on the harmonica or your preferences are more traditional or countrified, the mouth organ is a winning instrument. It's inexpensive and perfectly portable, and with a harmonica in your pocket or purse, you'll always be ready to make music. Learning how to make music on the harmonica is surprisingly simple, and you can begin producing recognizable melodies in just a short time.

Beginner Advice

• How to Hold a Harmonica: Start learning how to play the harmonica by learning how to hold the instrument so you can produce the best sounds.
• Harmonica Blues Lessons for the Beginner: If you're really motivated to learn how to play the harmonica, you can begin picking up serious skills quickly.
• Why a Harmonica in the Key of C? Beginners should start playing a harmonica in the key of C because most instruction books with accompanying CDs are in this key.
• Best Harmonica Beginner's Guide: Explore recommendations for a beginner's harmonica, and then learn how to begin playing this instrument.
• Which Harmonica Should I Buy? Harmonicas fall into two categories: diatonic and chromatic harmonicas. A diatonic harmonica is often used to play blues and country music, while chromatic harmonicas are great for playing melodies.
• Which Harmonica Is Best for Beginners? Spend a little bit more money on your first harmonica to make sure you get a high-quality one that will last for several years of serious play.

Harmonica Sheet Music and Songs

• "Oh! Susanna" Sheet Music: Learn how to play "Oh! Susanna" with this sheet music.
• "Auld Lang Syne" Harmonica Tab: You'll be able to ring in the new year with just a few minutes of practice!
• "Stand by Me" (video): Watch this harmonica lesson to get started playing this popular song.
• "Take Me Home, Country Roads": After you learn how to play tight single notes, you should be able to play "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Altered Tuning and Layouts

• Tuning and the Harmonica: It's possible to tune your harmonica, which can add depth to your sounds.
• About Special Tunings: Richter tuning is the most common tuning, well-suited for most harmonica melodies.
• Alternate Tunings for Beginners: Harmonica players often like experimenting with alternate tunings to create new sounds.
• Altering Standard Richter to Powerbender: Powerbender tuning offers strong bending ability on all ten holes, with dual reeds creating a smoother sound.

Harmonica Technical Articles and How-Tos

• Beginner Harmonica Lessons: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat": Try this video lesson to learn the beginning techniques on a harmonica, then move on to play this timeless children's song.
• Campfire Harmonica (PDF): Inexpensive and portable, the harmonica makes an ideal instrument to play in a variety of situations.
• Harmonica Quick Guide (PDF): Explore the basics of playing a diatonic harmonica with this informative guide.
• Student Guide for Solo-Tuned Harmonica (PDF): To proceed through this harmonica course, you will need a 12-hole solo-tuned diatonic or 12- or 16-hole chromatic harmonica.
• Playing the Diatonic Harmonica (PDF): Playing the diatonic harmonica is similar to playing only the white keys on a piano.
• Bending Notes on the Harmonica (PDF): Harmonicas have 20 reeds, half on the blow reed plate and the other half on the draw reed plate, and players use both reeds to bend notes.
• The Harmonica and Irish Traditional Music (PDF): Playing traditional Irish music is often achieved with a diatonic harmonica.
• Ragtime Harmonica: Harmonica players who want to play blues music often reach for a diatonic harmonica to create these distinctive sounds.
• Harmonica Playing Tips: When just beginning to play the harmonica, listen to as much harmonica music as possible to get a feel for the sounds.
• First Harmonica Lesson: This beginning harmonica lesson will introduce the major scale and the holes required to make these notes.
• How to Play the Blues Scale on Harmonica: Blues music tends to use the minor pentatonic scale, and adding a specific extra note enhances the blues sound.
• How to Play the Harmonica: Explore this beginner harmonica lesson to begin developing musical skills.

Harmonica Players' Websites

• National Harmonica League: Joining the National Harmonica League can help you learn more about this instrument as well as give you opportunities to participate in activities and contests.
• About SPAH: The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica is a worldwide organization that supports harmonica players with information and learning opportunities.
• Little Walter Foundation: Little Walter was a harmonica player who helped define harmonica blues music.
• The Joy of Music: Harmonikids: Kids with special needs who want to learn how to play the harmonica can receive instruction through this nonprofit.

Find more about the author: Kim Hart