Five Notes - Tremolo Lesson 5

Playing the harmonica is like crossing a river by stepping from stone to stone. If your feet land correctly then all is well. When you miss you get wet. Harmonica notes are like stones in the river, the lesson exercises ensure your feet land securely.

The previous lesson featured a three note phrase. This lesson extends it to five notes.

Play the beginning C note. If needed, use the mark on the harmonica to get it right. Repeat the three note phrase from the last lesson, that is, C, D and E (blow, draw, blow).

Play the three note phrase again, slowly. When you get to the third blow note, move your mouth slightly to the right, draw, then blow to finish. The resulting five notes sound like this.

The two new notes at the end are F and G. The five notes together are C, D, E, F and G.

Be sure to play just one note each time. If more than one note sounds, then make your mouth a little smaller, play more slowly and with softer breath.

Now play the five notes up and down, like this.

Play the five notes up and down again, with this backing. Notice that the phrase plays 4 times, ending on the C.

This time play the five notes, return to the starting C note and play them again. Repeat the phrase 4 times, with the backing track, again ending on the C.

Finally, try the last exercise with the accompaniment only

You will have noticed that every exercise in the course has a backing track. This is to ensure good timing from the beginning, and to become familar with hearing other instruments while you play. This will prepare you to join with real musicians, a treat which awaits.

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