How to warble on harmonica and 3 warble licks

When I first heard warbling on harmonica I knew that was ‘the’ sound I wanted. For me it is pure blues harmonica. So, here are three warble licks to get you started. You will need a harmonica in the key of C.

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What is a warble?

This technique refers to sliding rhythmically back and forth between two adjacent notes on one breath. For example, 4 draw to 5 draw.

Start super slowly

Warbles sound really fast but they aren’t. So, you should start by sliding back and forth between the two adjacent notes. Make sure you are doing it cleanly and then gradually speed up until you hear the warble sound. Be wary of going too fast as you will start getting sloppy and playing more than two notes.

Head or hands?

If you have been following me for a while you will know that I am very against you moving your head and always say you should move the harmonica with your hands when you play. However,warbles are the one technique where I will accept a head roll! That said, I still use my hands. Just make sure you keep it nice and loose.

Licks to learn

I have put together 3 licks featuring this technique. They are progressively more difficult as you go through them!

As usual start slowly!

Remember when you are learning licks on the harmonica you need to start slowly and be sure you are playing them in time with a metronome, drum beat or your foot. Once you are comfortable with them, speed them up but always keep them in time.

Lick 1

Slow playback

Lick 2

Slow playback

Lick 3

Slow playback

Click here to download lesson resources

Thank you

Thanks for watching and reading. I’m here to answer any questions you have.

I would really appreciate any sharing you do of this lesson too!