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.
This example indicates that holes 1, 2 and 3 are played simultaneously with an inhale breath.
The length of time a note or chord should sound is indicated by standard musical notes placed under the hole numbers, as shown below:
Any added expression markings (slides, bends, trills, etc) are placed above the hole numbers in italics. This example shows how an inhaled bend on hole 4 would be notated:
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) |
