How to Play "Silent Night" on the Harmonica

The C diatonic harmonica has 10 holes.

One of the most common types of harmonica, and one of the easiest to learn to play, is the C diatonic harmonica. Impress your friends and family with your quick mastery of some simple tunes on the instrument. One melody that everyone knows is "Silent Night," with lyrics written by Joseph Mohr in 1816. This will sound especially good during the holidays, but can be played and enjoyed at any time.

Instructions

1. Hold the harmonica up to your lips with the number 1 hole to your left and the number 10 hole to your right.

2. Narrow your lips so that you are puckering. Blow into one single hole. If you hear an individual note, you are performing the technique correctly. If you hear multiple notes, pucker a little tighter and try again.

3. Practice blowing and drawing (inhaling) into single holes.

4. Begin the song by blowing into the sixth hole, then drawing into the sixth hole. Blow into the sixth hole again and then into the fifth hole. This is the phrase "Silent Night."

5. Repeat the same notes that you played in step four to play the phrase "Holy Night."

6. Draw into the eighth hole twice and then into the seventh hole to play "All is calm."

7. Blow into the seventh hole twice and then into the sixth hole to play "All is bright."

8. Draw into the sixth hole twice and then blow into the seventh hole. Draw into the seventh hole and then the sixth hole. This corresponds with the phrase "Round yon virgin."

9. Blow into the sixth hole and then draw into the same hole. Blow into the sixth hole again and then into the fifth hole. This goes along with "mother and child."

10. Repeat steps eight and nine to play the notes for "Holy infant so tender and mild."

11. Draw into the eighth hole twice. Draw into the ninth hole, then the eighth hole and then the seventh hole. Blow into the seventh hole and then the eighth hole to complete the phrase "Sleep in heavenly peace."

12. Blow into the following holes: seventh, sixth, fifth, sixth. Then draw into the fifth hole and then the fourth hole. Finally blow into the fourth hole to complete the song with the repetition of the phrase "Sleep in heavenly peace."

References

• Harmonica: Silent Night Harmonica Tab
• Harmonica Lessons: Recommended Harmonicas for Our Instruction
• Still Nacht: The Facts