The basics.
The harmonica has 10 holes. We number them in order from left to right, from 1 to 10.
As in the picture below:
(The left side is the one that produces the lower notes. Often on the left, you will find an inscription of the key of yourarmonica, in our case, it is “C”).
How to read tablature
Each of the holes can produce a different sound by you either exhaling into the harmonica (to make blow notes), or by you inhaling through it (to make draw notes).
The basic and most important principle of playing tablature is the inhaling or exhaling of air through the correct numbered hole, as marked by the tablature.
Example:
4 – Blow Notes – when you see the number 4 in the tablature, then simply exhale into the fourth channel from the left.
(4) – Draw Notes – when you see the number 4 in the tablature, but it is parenthesized, inhale through the fourth channel from the left.
How to make clean-sounding notes
The easiest way to extract clean, that is, individual sounds, is to shape your mouth into a “spout” (like for whistling but wider).
Then try to inhale/exhale but from only one hole at a time. The lips should be slightly around your harmonica.
How to hold a harmonica?
Grasp the harmonica between your thumb and forefinger of the left hand.
With your right hand, grab the harmonica from behind. As demonstrated in this picture:
Problems with inhaling through the 2nd hole.
This is a frequent but fortunately minor problem for beginners. It is when the novice is almost unable to produce sound while inhaling through the 2nd hole.
If you have this problem, then to make the correct sound, try to inhale more naturally, as when breathing.
Problems with inhaling through the 2nd hole.
The apostrophe in the tablature refers to the so-called “half-step bend”. At first, either…
The entire guide in our books:
https://playinoneday.com/products/?filter_series=harmonica-tabs&query_type_series=or