How to Play Harmonica Hymns
Harmonica is an instrument found in music ranging from folk and country to blues and rock. The harmonica is an easy instrument to learn and well-suited to beginners. With the blues foundation of a lot of spiritual hymns, harmonica is well-suited to this genre of music, as well. There are a lot of spiritual hymns in harmonica tablature, which is the preferred method of notation among many harmonica players, so finding material to keep your harmonica humming will never be a problem.
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Instructions
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Ensure you are familiar with harmonica tablature. If you read music, you can simply play hymns written in standard notation from a hymnal or any printed music. Reading hymns written specific to the harmonica requires a basic understanding of harmonica tablature. Harmonica tablature consists of a horizontal line, with vertical lines marking measures of the song. Numbers written above the line are blow notes and tell you which holes to blow; numbers below the line are draw notes and tell you which holes to draw on to get the notes. Some harmonica tablature will have a time signature indication at the beginning of the tablature graph. Some harmonica tabs simply indicate a hole number followed by a B or D to indicate blow or draw, with an arrow curved up to indicate bending notes. Lyrics are usually included with the tab.
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Select a simple hymn notated in harmonica tablature to get you started. "Amazing Grace" is an easy one to find and a good one to practice with. Play the holes indicated by the numbers on the tablature. If you come to a line that extends from one of the numbers horizontally, hold the note out for the length of time indicated by the measure.
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Add note bends. A lot of hymns, when played on the harmonica, benefit from blues music touches that help generate emotion. To bend a note, play one of the notes on your harmonica (depending upon the type of harmonica you have). To bend a note, use your tongue. Blow into the hole and tilt your harmonica up. Fold the sides of your tongue up slightly to create more air and blow a little harder than normal. Experiment with different holes and try bending notes to add color to your hymn.
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Play as many hymns as you can and have fun with it. The more you play, the more feel you will get for the harmonica and the sounds it can make. Play your hymns at different rhythms. Move the hand in front of the harmonica quickly to create vibrato effect on the notes that hold out. Combine this with bends and give the hymns your own touch.
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References
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- Photo Credit harmonica image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
