How to play a one chord blues on harmonica + free harp tab

Oct 12, 2016 | Harp Tabs, Intermediate Harmonica Lessons, Licks, Rhythm, Technique

Hello and welcome to this week’s harmonica lesson, where you will learn to play a one chord blues.

You will need a harmonica in the key of C which you will be playing in 2nd position in the key of G major.






What is a one chord blues?

As its name suggests there are no chord changes like in a standard 12 bar blues progression. Instead, you just stay on the I chord. This sounds like it might get quite boring but personally this is one of my favourite styles to play as it leaves lots of room for dynamic improvisation. This means working on the volume and density of notes.

One Chord Blues Licks

Backing Track

Accenting the offbeat

We are going to be focusing on notes that fall on the offbeat. That is to say, notes in between the beat.

This will take a bit of time to get initially but try and play really slowly to start with and you will easily get the hang of it.

Song examples

Alabama train
Shake your hips
Bad to the Bone

Thank you!

If you have any questions just send me a wee email.

Happy Harping!

Thank you so much for taking part in this lesson. I hope it was useful for you. If you enjoyed this lesson, please share it with your friends.

See you again for the next harmonica video!

Check out these other lessons…

7 REALLY Easy Blues Harmonica Licks + Tabs

7 REALLY Easy Blues Harmonica Licks + Tabs

In this week's lesson I will be showing you how to play 7 REALLY Easy Blues Harmonica Licks WITHOUT Bends. This lesson is suitable for total beginners on the instrument. You will need a C harmonica and we will be playing in 2nd position in the key of G....

Learn Blues Harmonica