How to Play Harmonica Chords

The harmonica is a fun and easy instrument to play. Harmonica chords are produced by breathing out through a series of holes and inhaling breath through the same set of holes. This produces chords which can eventually be turned into a song.

Instructions

1. Identify the different blow holes and draw holes for the chords that can be played on the harmonica. Practice inhaling and exhaling with your mouth on the harmonica to get the feel of the instruments.

2. Choose from the following chord chart for chords on a C harmonica. These are: C major--blow holes 1-2-3, 4-5-6 or 7-8-9, G major--draw holes 1-2-3 or 1-2-3-4, G7--draw holes 2-3-4-5, D minor--draw holes 4-5-6 or 8-9-10, B minor-seven-flat-five--draw holes 3-4-5-6 or 7-8-9-10.

3. Put the harmonica in your mouth and cover the numbered holes you will draw or blow with your lips.

4. Blow into the holes to make your first chord. Always begin with the C major chord. It uses only three holes and is the easiest place to begin.

5. Move your mouth over the second set of C major holes and inhale to produce the same C chord on the draw. This allows the chord to continuously sound with each inhale and exhale.

Tips & Warnings

• The harmonica is predominately used to play melodies along with other instruments. Harmonica chords can be used for harmonica solos or features when combined with other instruments played in the same key.

• The chords mentioned in step one are for a C harmonica. Harmonicas also come in A, B, D, E, F and G.