Tunes - Tremolo Lesson 12

The rhythm notation from the previous lesson allows us to read tunes. Now we use it, with an old tune called "Drunken Sailor"

Start with this rhythmic phrase, on a 1 note (C).

The notation is

This phrase is the essence of the tune. Listen to it several times without looking at the score. Try clapping your hands in time with it. Then try with the harmonica. When you have the phrase in your head, then look at the score while the track plays, matching the written notes to the music.

Now try the first half of the tune. It goes like this.

The notation is

Note how the rhythm in each bar is the same as the first exercise.

Now try the last half of the tune. It goes like this.

The notation is

Practice the last bar many times. The phrase may be difficult at first, but is used in many tunes.

Now try the whole tune with backing, like this.

The whole score is

Finally, try the tune with the accompaniment only.

You may find reading the score a great distraction from playing the harmonica. If so, then use the score as a guide for the notes, and learn the tune by ear. Likewise for the tunes which follow.

The ability to read scores is useful, but not essential. Many excellent players cannot read scores at all, or at best, only slowly. The scores in these lessons are an efficient way to show the notes and the rhythm. But, the aim is to play music. As soon as possible, learn the tunes, ignore the scores and just play.

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