How to Play Chugging on Harmonica
Mix Rhythm and Licks for That Bluesy Groove
One of the most requested lessons I get is how to play chugging on harmonica—and how to mix it with cool bluesy licks. So in this lesson, I’m going to show you how to do exactly that. You’ll learn the chugging rhythm first—and then we’ll drop in five fun licks that work perfectly with it.
I’ll be using an A harmonica played in second position in the key of E—but this works with other keys too. And if you want even more rhythm practice, check out my lesson on how to play warbles on harmonica—a great technique to pair with chugging.
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Start with the Chugging Rhythm
Before we add any licks—we need to lock in that chugging groove. We’re starting with a clean 2 draw on beat one. Then we play dirty chords—drawing on holes 1–3 or 1–4. Don’t stress too much about precision here—because of how the harmonica’s tuned, it’ll still sound bluesy.
The rhythm goes like this:
Beat 1 – clean 2 draw
Beat 2 – chug (dirty draw)
Offbeat (between 3 and 4) – chug
Beat 1 of the next bar – chug
This is one of those rhythms where you’re better off feeling it rather than counting it out every time. Let’s loop it a few times:
1 2 3 4 — chug chug chug chug…
Lick 1 – One Draw, Two Blow, Two Draw
This first lick drops into the space after the chugging. You’ll play:
1 draw (offbeat between 2 and 3)
2 blow (offbeat between 3 and 4)
2 draw (on beat 4)
Then roll straight back into the chugging rhythm. The big thing to watch out for is making sure the 1 draw lands on the offbeat—not the beat.
Lick 1
Lick 1 Slow
Lick 1 Fast
Lick 2 – Three Draw Into a Bend
Same groove as the first lick—but now we start with:
3 draw (offbeat)
3 draw whole step bend
2 draw
Play those in rhythm—and then bounce right back to the 2 draw on beat 1 for the chug. It’s a smooth little phrase that sounds bluesy and tight when looped correctly.
Lick 2
Lick 2 Slow
Lick 2 Fast
Lick 3 – More Movement, Less Breathing Space
This one’s a bit trickier—less space between the chords and the lick. Here’s the run:
1 draw
2 blow
2 draw
3 draw
2 draw
2 draw whole step bend
2 draw (again)
Start just after the chug on beat 1 and flow through the eighth notes. This one’s all about timing—go slow and make sure you feel the pulse.
Lick 3
Lick 3 Slow
Lick 3 Fast
Lick 4 – Four Draw Bend and Run Down
Now we’re starting on beat 2 after the chug:
4 draw half-step bend
4 blow
3 draw half-step bend
2 draw
2 draw whole step bend (on beat 4)
Another really classic bluesy phrase that fits perfectly into that space between your rhythm hits.
Lick 4
Lick 4 Slow
Lick 4 Fast
Lick 5 – Double Stop for a Little Walter Vibe
This one is nice and chunky. It’s a double stop—mainly 3 draw with a little 4 draw bleeding in. Play that as:
Beat 2 – double stop
Beat 3 – same
Beat 4 – same
Then back to the 2 draw for the chug
Very Little Walter style—bluesy and expressive. Great for locking into that dirty shuffle.
Lick 5
Lick 5 Slow
Lick 5 Fast
Once You’ve Got the Licks – Make Your Own
After you’ve worked through these five licks—and practiced looping them with the chug rhythm—try coming up with your own. Keep that same rhythmic structure and just drop in different blues scale licks. That’s where the fun really starts.
Final Thoughts – Keep the Rhythm Solid
The magic of this technique is the balance between rhythmic repetition and melodic variation. The chugging holds everything together—so long as you keep that groove steady, you can drop all sorts of licks into the gaps and it’ll sound killer.
If you found this helpful—please hit the like button and subscribe if you haven’t already. I release a new harmonica lesson every Wednesday—and I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the next one. See you next week!
