Songs with Harmonica in C - Easy Lessons & Tabs
Updated: 10 hours ago
If you've just got yourself a harmonica, chances are it's in the key of C. Lucky for you, almost all beginner harmonica lessons use this key of harmonica.
But can you name any songs with harmonica in the key of C? Well, don't worry if you can't because I've put together the ultimate list of songs using C harmonica so you can get playing immediately!
Some of these songs were big hits that were recorded using a harmonica in the key of C, others are traditional songs. All of them are perfect for playing on your C harp.
❓Need help choosing the right harmonica? Click here for my ultimate buyers guide
20 Songs with C Harmonica + Easy Harp Lessons & Tabs
Love Me Do (The Beatles)
Possibly the most famous harmonica riff of all time, this can be played on a standard diatonic harmonica in the key of C.
Here's a free lesson to help you learn Love Me Do by the Beatles:
Piano Man (Billy Joel)
Another extremely famous harmonica intro, this one was memorably played by Billy Joel.
Here's a free lesson:
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Harmonica isn't often featured in such a cool context, but it is here in the soundtrack to the western film 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly'.
Learn this melody on my free YouTube harmonica lesson:
The 'Happy Birthday' Song
An easy one, and of course always a useful song to know! You can play this song on any key of harmonica, but C works great.
Here is my YouTube lesson on Happy Birthday to You:
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
A beautifully moving song, this sounds really emotional on harmonica.
Here is my free lesson for you:
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
The original recording of this haunting song requires a Db / C# harmonica, but my lesson uses a standard key of C because, well, who uses a Db harp?!
Here is the lesson:
Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
My arrangement of this great song means you can play along to Bill Withers with your C harmonica.
Here is my free lesson on Ain't No Sunshine:
Oh! Susanna
A fun traditional song that can be played on any key of harmonica, including C.
Here's the lesson on Oh Susanna!
No Woman, No Cry (Bob Marley)
This moving reggae song works great on the C harmonica.
Here is your harmonica lesson:
One Love (Bob Marley)
Another Bob Marley reggae classic.
Here is my lesson for One Love by Bob Marley:
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)
This massive rock song is in the key of Am, which means you can play it on a C harmonica in 4th position.
Here is the free lesson for you:
Imagine (John Lennon)
One of the most iconic songs of all time, and an enduring anthem.
Free harmonica lesson for Imagine by John Lennon:
Poor Wayfaring Stranger
A haunting traditional song that sits perfectly on your C harp.
Take a free lesson:
Long Train Running (The Doobie Brothers)
Not the easiest song on this list, but one of the best! An iconic harmonica solo.
Here is my harmonica lesson on Long Train Running:
Scarborough Fair
This traditional English song was arranged by Paul Simon for Simon & Garfunkel's 1968 hit.
Here's the free lesson for Scarborough Fair:
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
One of my all-time favourite Beatles tracks, this works well on a C harp.
Here's your free lesson:
You'll Never Walk Along (Gerry & the Pacemakers)
A big hit for this Merseybeat band, and a familiar sound on the terraces at any Liverpool FC game.
Here's a free lesson on You'll Never Walk Along by Gerry & the Pacemakers:
Low Rider (WAR)
This song contains a lovely harmonica part played by the wonderful Lee Oskar.
Here's your free Low Rider lesson:
Indiana Jones Theme
One of my favourite movie franchises as a kid, Indiana Jones featured a memorable theme tune. Learn to play it on your C harmonica!
Here's the lesson:
Moondance (Van Morrison)
A tricky melody to follow at full speed, but a great workout on the C harmonica.
Free lesson:
Why a C harmonica is best for beginners
The C harmonica strikes a balance between accessibility, sound, and usability, making it ideal for someone just starting their harmonica journey.
Learning Materials:
The key of C harmonica is in the standard tuning called 'Richter', which works with the majority of beginner instructional materials. Most books, videos, and lessons will assume you're using a C harp.
The Middle Ground:
The C harmonica's pitch is neither too high nor too low, in fact it's just right in the middle. The mid-range it occupies is easier on the ears and ideal for learning. Higher-pitched harmonicas can sound shrill, while lower-pitched ones may require more breath control to play.
Note Layout:
On a C harmonica, there are no sharps or flats. This means if you're reading music that it's easy to relate what you see on the page to what you're doing with the harmonica. It's also easier to learn the note layout and the quirks of the instrument.
Ease of Technique:
You may find single notes, bending and other techniques come more easily on a C harp because the reeds are not super large (like on a low harp) nor very small (like on a high harp).
Once you're comfortable with the C harmonica, you may want to expand your collection to other keys.
(If you haven't already got one, you can buy a key of C diatonic harmonica by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.)
Are songs easy to play on a C harmonica?
Yes, the key of C harmonica is the perfect harmonica to start learning to play songs! In addition to the songs above, I have hundreds of free beginners lessons, most of which use a C diatonic harmonica. Click here for 100's of free beginner harmonica lessons.
You can also play all of my free tabs on C harmonica (it is not be the original key of every song, but you can play the song in C anyway). Click here for 100's of free songs for C harmonica.
Tips for learning to play on your C harmonica
Choose the right harmonica: Use a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. Check out my free Harmonica Buyers Guide
Grip it right: Make sure you're comfortable with the positioning of your hands. Check out my lesson How to Hold the Harmonica
Breathe easy: Get your breath under control and the solo will be much easier to play. Watch my lesson on Beginner Breath Control
Pick an embouchure: There are difficult ways to play notes on harmonica. Take a look at my Single Notes Harmonica Guide
Embellish if your can: If you have the ability, add techniques like vibrato, dynamic shifts, and bends to add character to the solo. Take a Free Trial of my Online Harmonica School to upgrade your harmonica playing.
I hope you've enjoyed this free lesson on songs with harmonica in C
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