Hard Times

This is an American tune, written in the 19th century by Stephen Foster. It should be played at a steady speed, with a C harmonica.

The tune has an A part, played twice, then a B part, played once. The A part is played again to end the tune. This structure is called AABA.

A Part

4B 4D 5B 5B 4D 5B 6B 5B 4D 4B 4B 4D 4B 5B

7B 6D 6B 5B 4B 4D 4B 5B 4D 4B

repeat

B Part

5B 5D 6B 6B 6B 5D 6B 6D 6B

7B 6D 6B 5B 4D 4B 4D 4B 4D 5B 4D

Repeat A part

Here is the tune at full speed. The tune may be too fast at first, press the settings button to slow it down.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hard-times.mp3"]

For those who can read music, here is the score.

Finally here is the backing, without the harmonica, at medium speed

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hard-times-three-times-slow.mp3"]

and at full speed

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hard-times-three-times.mp3"]

Use these backings for your own performances.