How to play in 3rd position (minor) on harmonica

Hello and welcome to this week’s harmonica lesson, where we will be learning how to play in 3rd position.

What is 3rd position?

3rd position allows you to play in a minor key on harmonica. The root note in 3rd position is the 1 draw or the 4 draw. It is not exactly the same shape as 2nd position but is quite similar if you start on the 4 draw.

The notes

4 draw, 5 draw, 6 blow, 6 draw bent, 6 draw, 7 blow, 8 draw

Target notes for I, IV, V

The notes you are targeting when playing a 12 bar blues will be;

I 4 draw
IV 6 blow
V 6 draw

Things to look out for

The bend on the 6 draw is quite difficult to play as you need to be exceptionally gentle and not put anywhere near as much effort into it as you would on a 4 draw. In order to practice this really try slowing down the whole movement and keep your tongue quite far forward in your mouth.