Oh Susanna: Easy Harmonica Tabs & Tutorial

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Learn to Play "Oh Susanna" on the Harmonica

"Oh Susanna" is a classic American folk song that's perfect for beginners learning to play the harmonica. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy to pick up, and it's a great way to impress your friends and family with your musical skills.

Getting Started

Before you begin, you'll need a 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C. This is the most common type of harmonica and is suitable for playing many popular songs. Make sure your harmonica is clean and in good working order. A well-maintained harmonica will produce a clearer and more consistent sound.

Harmonica Tabs for "Oh Susanna"

Here are the harmonica tabs for "Oh Susanna." These tabs indicate which holes to blow or draw (inhale) to produce the correct notes. A number indicates the hole, and a "-" symbol before the number indicates a draw.

4 -4 5 5
Oh! Susanna,
5 -4 4 -3
Oh! Susanna,
4 -4 5 5 4
Oh! Susanna,
-3 4 -4 4
Don't you cry for me.

4 -4 5 5
I come from Alabama,
5 -4 4 -3
with a banjo on my knee
4 -4 5 5 4
I'm going to Louisiana
-3 4 -4 4
My true love for to see.

Understanding the Tabs

  • 4: Blow into hole number 4.
  • -4: Draw (inhale) from hole number 4.
  • 5: Blow into hole number 5.
  • -3: Draw (inhale) from hole number 3.

Practice each line slowly until you can play it smoothly. Pay attention to the rhythm and try to match the timing of the original song. Once you're comfortable with each line, try putting them together to play the entire song.

Tips for Beginners

  • Start Slow: Don't try to play too fast at first. Focus on getting the notes correct and gradually increase your speed as you improve.
  • Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice your harmonica playing.
  • Listen to the Song: Listening to the original song will help you understand the rhythm and melody. This will make it easier to play the song correctly.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you keep time and improve your rhythm. There are many free metronome apps available for smartphones and tablets.
  • Experiment with Expression: Once you're comfortable playing the notes, try adding some expression to your playing. Vary your volume and add vibrato to make the song more interesting.

Further Resources

For more harmonica tabs and tutorials, check out these resources:

  • Online Harmonica Communities: Join online forums and communities to connect with other harmonica players and learn from their experiences.
  • YouTube Tutorials: There are many excellent harmonica tutorials on YouTube that can help you improve your playing.

Conclusion

Learning to play "Oh Susanna" on the harmonica is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little practice, you'll be able to play this classic song and impress your friends and family. So grab your harmonica, start practicing, and enjoy the music!