Reading The Notation System
This book uses a unique harmonica notation system which gives you specific information about which holes to play to get the correct sounds and how long to hold each note for. The system is made up of a combination of numbers corresponding to the holes on the harmonica, and rhythm notation which is closely related to standard musical notation.
The holes on the harmonica are represented by two types of numbers.
- Green numbers indicate notes played with an inhaled breath, e.g. 2 indicates the second hole on the harmonica inhaled.
- Red numbers indicate notes played with an exhaled breath, e.g. 2 indicates the second hole on the harmonica exhaled.
Chords are indicated by numbers stacked vertically one on top of the other. For example, the stacked numbers shown here indicate that holes 1, 2 and 3 are played simultaneously with an inhaled breath.
The length of time a note or chord should sound is indicated by standard musical notes placed under the hole numbers, as shown here.
Any added expression markings (slides, bends, trills, etc) are placed above the hole numbers in italics, e.g., a bend on hole 4 inhaled would be notated as shown here.
Here is a list of all the expression markings used in the book. Each one of these techniques is introduced individually in the course of the book in the appropriate lesson.
| v | hand vibrato |
| s | slide |
| b | half step bend |
| n | whole step bend |
| t | trail off |
| Y | trill |
| w | wah bend (grace note) |
Quarter Note Rhythms
This music note is called a quarter note. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
This example contains four bars of quarter notes and uses both inhale and exhale notes on hole 2. Tap your foot on each beat and count to yourself as you play. Try to get only one note sounding each time you play.
The Quarter Rest
Rests are used to indicate silence in music. There are different rests for different lengths of silence just as notes indicate different lengths of sound.
This symbol is a quarter rest. It indicates one beat of silence. Do not play any note. Small counting numbers are placed under rests.
The following example makes use of the quarter rest. The rest provides an opportunity to breathe without disrupting the flow of the music. As the quarter rest lasts for only one beat, you will need to be quick with your breath to make sure you play the next note or chord in time. Be sure to count and tap your foot as you play. This will help you keep time regardless of whether notes or rests occur in the music. The two dots just before the double bar are called a repeat sign. This indicates that the example is to be played again from the beginning.
The Half Note
This music note is called a half note. It has a value of two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of * time.
This example uses half notes along with quarter notes and quarter rests. It makes use of the first hole as well as the second hole.
The Half Rest
This symbol is a half rest. It indicates two beats of silence.
Once again, remember to tap your foot and count as you play regardless of whether you see notes or rests in the music.
