The following example demonstrates the use of ties. A tie is a curved line which connects two different notes of the same pitch. The tie tells you to play the first note only, and to hold it for the length of both notes. A tie may occur either across a bar line, or within one bar. The use of ties is the only way of indicating that a note or chord is to be held across a bar line. Don’t forget to count as you play so you know how long you have held each note for.
This example combines the train whistle with a simple train rhythm. The harmonica is a great instrument for imitating the sounds of the steam train. There is a whole tradition of this style of playing and if you can do it, you will be sure to have everybody’s feet moving!