How to Use Harmonica Notation

Harmonica notation tells the harmonica player how to play the different holes on the harmonica. It also tells the player which holes to play at what time. Using harmonica notation also covers when to inhale and exhale when playing the harmonica.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Look for numbers by themselves in harmonica notation. Numbers by themselves indicate a draw hole.

2. Watch for a number followed by a greater than sign. This indicates a blow hole.

3. Understand that each apostrophe found in harmonica notations stands for a ½ step bend. Bends are done by drawing, blowing and bending the harmonica towards the roof of your mouth while playing.

4. Learn how to play an overbend. An overbend is indicated in harmonica notation by the # sign. An overbend is when the pitch of the note sounds higher than the note itself.

5. Play numbers at the same time when there is an ampersand, &, between the numbers.

6. Slur notes on the harmonica when you see a slash mark between the numbers.

7. Tongue slap a note when there is a percent sign before the number. A tongue slap is where a note is played and then the tongue blocks some of the sound out.

Tips & Warnings

• The notations in the above steps are just some of the notations for the harmonica. Visit your local music store for a complete notation chart and their explanations.
• In order to use harmonica notation you have to be familiar with the techniques listed in the steps. Begin playing the harmonica by learning the basic techniques before moving on to notation reading.