Welcome to the Beginning Level songs section. You should note that additional songs are available in the "Tabs" section. The Kids Songs are especially good for those just starting out. All sound file examples are downloadable and available in the Members Area.
- "Number and Arrow" system of notation- The "up" arrows indicate blow (exhale) notes and the "down" arrows are for the draw (inhale) notes. See the Songs main page for a "Number and Arrow" system graphic.
- Start with the "Major Scale" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb"- Pick one of these beginning level songs (or better yet, the "Major Scale") and slowly read and play through it 3-5 times to get a feel for the melody. We're not going for perfection yet, we just want the melody to be recognizable.
- Commit it to memory- Once you've accomplished the above, look away from the song and then try to do it from memory. When you have committed it to memory, slow down and focus on your basic techniques. Play it correctly as many times as you can before moving on.
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"Don't worry about playing perfect single notes"-- If you are just getting started, don't worry too much about playing perfect single notes. Have some fun with the songs first, try to commit them to memory, and then you can go back and slowly practice the melodies with clean, clear single notes. After that, you can incorporate other techniques like hand effects, slides, chording, and others.
(View all Beginner's Shortcuts)
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"The Major Scale"- Before you even attempt your first melody, the best place to start to practice clean single notes is on the major scale (your basic "do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do"). Remember to move the harmonica and not your head when you move from hole to hole (watch yourself in a mirror to check).
"Mary Had a Little Lamb"- If you are able to achieve single notes on the major scale 50% to 80% of the time, you can start playing simple melodies.
"Oh Susanna"- A classic campfire song that almost everyone knows. Again, take your time and go as slow as needed to play clean single notes. You can make the long held single notes more interesting with hand tremolo effects.
| Oh Susanna- 1st position |
.Mp3 Example Available in Members Area
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"Blowing in the Wind"- A folk anthem from the mid-1960's. Take your time and go as slowly as needed to play clean single notes. Once you have the song memorized, try adding some slides and dropoffs in addition to some hand tremolo on the longer held notes at the end of phrases.
"Home on the Range"- Another good beginners song. If you have problems getting the high notes to come out clearly, see this linked breathing info for correctly playing high draw notes as well as the problematic hole 2 draw.
| Home On The Range- 1st position |
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.Mp3 Example Available in Members Area
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If you've made it through all these, additional songs are available in the "Tabs" section. The "Kids Songs", "Holiday Songs", and "Folk/Campfire" are especially good for those just starting out. Use the links at the top of the page in the gray navigation box.
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