Page 2 Harmonica Book 2023

This next part of my series, learning to play more advanced harmonica, has to do with playing tracks, such as this one, the anniversary song, and using the different chords, and explaining the comparison between what we call positions on the Harmonica.

But although I’m going to give you the material to work with, if you’ve really studied what I’ve explain to you, you will be able to write your own tablature and work through these exercises without me, holding your hands… You might say! 

I’ve provided my version of the anniversary song, the music file itself, and the chord charts. 

This song as it is, is possible on a diatomic Harmonica without any overblows but you have to be very proficient in your bending techniques. 

My suggestion is first play the arpeggios of each chord, with the sixth or seventh note which is essential to the arrangement.

Above are the chord notes to follow along with the chord chart. 

The chord chart you see, here is actually in the key of C, or what we called the relative minor, which is a which is 6° above the tonic note. 

Then once you’ve practice that and got familiar with playing these arpeggios throughout the Harmonica, meaning all three octaves. 

Then work out the melody. Also think to yourself what position each one of these cords represents. And how some notes are not in the key of C.

You can learn how to solo over this. Using what we call leading notes, which means as the cords change, choose the corresponding or nearest note from the next cord to phrase with.

Then you are on your way to being a more advanced harmonica player that can conquer more difficult changes and choices of songs to perform or study.

This is my version of The Anniversary Song

Slow tempo

Faster tempo

My suggestion is to write out the tablature for the melody. This will help you develop your ear and also eventually it will help you solo over these changes.

There is a program called the amazing, slow downer. I suggest if the tempos are too fast for you, that you use this program to slow it down to a tempo you’re comfortable with.