Hello and welcome to the NeonHarp blog, the cozy corner for all harmonica enthusiasts!
If you've just unboxed your very first harmonica or are simply searching for a classic, sweet, and simple tune to practice, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving into the timeless American folk song, "Oh! Susanna," and showing you exactly how to play it on your diatonic harp.
Why 'Oh! Susanna' is Perfect for You
"Oh! Susanna" is the quintessential piece of simple harmonica music for beginners. Its straightforward melody and easy rhythm make it the perfect exercise for mastering your basic Blow (exhale) and Draw (inhale) techniques. Once you've got this song down, you'll be well on your way to tackling slightly more complex pieces—perhaps even getting ready for some festive harmonica christmas music like "Jingle Bells"!
🎼 'Oh! Susanna' Easy Harmonica Tabs (Diatonic Harp)
To maximize your fun as a new harmonica player, here are the simple tabs you can use:
| Hole Number | Blow/Draw | Technique |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| -3 | Draw (D) | |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| -4 | Draw (D) | |
| 5 | Blow (B) | |
| 5 | Blow (B) | |
| -4 | Draw (D) | |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| -3 | Draw (D) | |
| -3 | Draw (D) | |
| 4 | Blow (B) | |
| 3 | Blow (B) | |
💡 NeonHarp Tip: On a harmonica tab, a positive number (like 4) means Blow (exhale), and a negative number (like -3) means Draw (inhale). Take it slow and make sure each note is clear and steady!
🎸 Your Music Journey Starts with NeonHarp!
At NeonHarp, we are dedicated to providing high-quality harmonicas for players of all levels. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced musician, our harmonicas offer superb tone and feel. Start your musical journey with us today!
🔥 Bonus Tab: John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'
As a special thank you for reading, we are including the harmonica tab for another beloved folk classic: John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads." This tab is a bit more advanced and includes some higher-range notes and potential for bending, making it a great challenge for your next step!
Take Me Home Country Roads - Harmonica Tab
Song Name: Take Me Home Country Roads By: John Denver
| Blow/Draw | Lyric Phrase |
| 6 6 -6 6 -6 6 -6 7 | 1.AL-MOST HEAV-EN,WEST VIR-GIN-IA |
| -8 -8 8 -8 -6 -6 -6 6 6 -6 7 | 1.BLUE RIDGE MOUN-TAINS,SHEN-AN-DOAH RIV-ER |
| 6 6 -6 6 -6 7 7 8 8 | 1.LIFE IS OLD THERE,OLD-ER THAN THE TREES |
| -8 -8 -8 -8 8 -8 -6 7 7 -8 7 | 1.YOUNG-ER THAN THE MOUN-TAINS GROW-IN' LIKE A BREEZE |
| 7 -8 8 8 7 -8 8 -8 7 8 9 -10 | COUN-TRY ROADS,TAKE ME HOME TO THE PLACE I BE-LONG |
| -10 -10 9 8 8 -8 7 -8 | WEST VIR-GIN-IA,MOUN-TAIN MOM-MA |
| 8 -8 7 7 -8 7 | TAKE ME HOME,COUN-TRY ROADS |
| 7 7 7 -7 7 -8 8 8 8 8 8 7 | I HEAR HER VOICE, IN THE MORN-ING HOURS SHE CALLS ME. |
| 7 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9 8 -8 7 -8 8 8 -8 | RA-DIO RE-MINDS ME OF MY HOME FAR A-WAY |
| -8 8 8 8 8 -8 -8 -8 -8 7 7 | AND DRV-IN' DOWN THE ROAD I GET A FEEL-IN' |
| 7 7 7 7 7 7 | THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME |
| -8 8 -8 -8 8 -9 | YES-TER-DAY,YES-TER-DAY |
