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Writer's pictureLiam Ward

The type and key of harmonica used by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan has given the harmonica a prominent place in his music - especially his early records - and therefore helped to feature harmonica in some of the most popular music of the twentieth century.


In this article we'll take a detailed look at the type and key of harmonica used by Bob Dylan on some of his most famous tracks, and we'll include links so you can buy the right harmonica to play each song.


Pssssttt... Why not try my Top 5 Bob Dylan Harmonica Lessons & Tabs!


Bob Dylan's 30 Most Famous Harmonica Songs: Quick Breakdown


Here is a list of Bob Dylan's famous songs which feature harmonica:


  1. Blowin' in the Wind - D diatonic harmonica

  2. The Times They Are A-Changin' - G diatonic harmonica

  3. Mr. Tambourine Man - F diatonic harmonica

  4. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - A diatonic harmonica

  5. Just Like a Woman - E diatonic harmonica

  6. Tangled Up in Blue - A diatonic harmonica

  7. Like a Rolling Stone - C diatonic harmonica

  8. I Shall Be Released - D diatonic harmonica

  9. It Ain't Me, Babe - G diatonic harmonica

  10. Forever Young - D diatonic harmonica

  11. Subterranean Homesick Blues - D diatonic harmonica

  12. Girl from the North Country - Bb diatonic harmonica

  13. Maggie's Farm - C diatonic harmonica

  14. All Along the Watchtower - E diatonic harmonica

  15. Shelter from the Storm - E diatonic harmonica

  16. Simple Twist of Fate - A diatonic harmonica

  17. You're a Big Girl Now - G diatonic harmonica

  18. All I Really Wanna Do - A diatonic harmonica

  19. I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met) - G diatonic harmonica

  20. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue - E diatonic harmonica

  21. Desolation Row - E diatonic harmonica

  22. Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35 - Bb harmonica

  23. Visions of Johanna - D diatonic harmonica

  24. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight - Bb diatonic harmonica

  25. Idiot Wind - G diatonic harmonica

  26. Hurricane - C diatonic harmonica

  27. Jokerman - Eb diatonic harmonica

  28. Everything is Broken - A diatonic harmonica

  29. Sara - G diatonic harmonica

  30. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go - E diatonic harmonica


WANT TO BUY THE RIGHT HARMONICA TO PLAY THESE SONGS? For product links and to hear all the songs, see the detailed list below.


NOTE: Bob Dylan has recorded harmonica on many more tracks than those in this list, and as of 2025 he's still writing, recording and performing so the list is still expanding! Check out this Reddit post for an amazingly thorough list of Bob Dylan songs featuring harmonica.


Bob Dylan with Harmonica - the Ultimate List


  1. Blowin' in the Wind


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: D harp

Position: 1st position

Song Key: D


Possibly Dylan's most famous song, this is a quintessential folk anthem and the harmonica punctuates it expressively.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of D. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


P.S. Learn to play Blowin' in the Wind in this free harmonica lesson.


  1. The Times They Are A-Changin'


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 1st position

Song Key: G


The harmonica intro and interludes to this famous Dylan protest song are instantly recognisable and add to the song's timeless call for change.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


P.S. Learn to play The Times They Are A-Changin' in this free harmonica lesson.


  1. Mr. Tambourine Man


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: F

Position: 1st position

Song Key: F


The first Bob Dylan song I ever heard, and still a firm favourite. The harmonica on Mr Tambourine Man adds to the poetic imagery of the lyrics.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of F. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


PS. Learn to play Mr. Tambourine Man in this free harmonica lesson.


  1. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: A

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: E


 A beautifully bittersweet love song featuring some early cross harp from Dylan.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Just Like a Woman


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 1st position

Song Key: E


One of my all-time favourite Dylan tracks, much enhanced by the high, wailing harmonica outro.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Tangled Up in Blue


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: A

Position: 1st position

Song Key: A


Classic Dylan with its richly poetic storytelling, Tangled Up in Blue also features some jangly guitar and an energetic harmonica solo.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Like a Rolling Stone


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: C

Position: 1st position

Song Key: C


Though playing a supporting role to Al Kooper's organ, the harmonica features more prominently towards the end of this legendary recording.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. I Shall Be Released


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: D

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: A


This intimate song features a moving harmonica solo on a key of D diatonic.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of D. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. It Ain't Me Babe


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 1st position

Song Key: G


A great example of Dylan's use of harmonica fills to add to the plaintive mood of a song.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Forever Young


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: D

Position: 1st position

Song Key: D


A song of rare strength and beauty, Forever Young features some harmonica towards the end of the track.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of D. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Subterranean Homesick Blues


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: D

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: A


The frenetic and relentless song that spawned the incredibly famous music video. Features short harmonica breaks between verses.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of D. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Girl From The North Country


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: Bb

Position: 1st position

Song Key: Bb


One of Dylan's most heartbreaking compositions, Girl From The North Country features a harmonica solo on a Bb harp.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of Bb. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Maggie's Farm


Harmonica Type: Diatonic

Harmonica Key: C

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: G


This jaunty tune features some short harmonica fills in the classic messy Dylan style.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. All Along the Watchtower


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 4th position

Song Key: Db


The Jimi Hendrix version is probably better known, but I love Dylan's original and the harmonica solo is one of my favourites. I don't know if this song was recorded in a more standard key of C or D (and then the speed was changed) but you'll need the unusual key of E harmonica to play along.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


P.S. Learn to play All Along the Watchtower in this free harmonica lesson.


  1. Shelter from the Storm


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 1st position

Song Key: E


I could listen to 'Shelter from the Storm' and its poetic imagery all day long. The harmonica outro is perfected weighted.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Simple Twist of Fate


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: A

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: E


Second position harmonica solos feature in this rich and poetic story.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. You're a Big Girl Now


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 1st position

Song Key: G


Not one of my favourite solos - kinda just in and out on repeat! - but definitely adds something. This one is played on a key of G harmonica.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. All I Really Wanna Do


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: A

Position: 1st position

Song Key: A


'All I Really Wanna Do' contains several energetic harmonica fills between verses, in Dylan's distinctive rhythmic style.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: D


Some 'interesting' note choices in this one, Bob!


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 1st position

Song Key: E


A mournful song with suitably mellow solos dotted throughout.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Desolation Row


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 1st position

Song Key: E


Dylan uses his E harp surprisingly often, and he does so again in this opaque song from 1965.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: Bb

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: F


Not the most sophisticated harmonica playing, but it fits this intentionally messy and sloppy song. I love the bit where he laughs mid-lyric.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of Bb. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Visions of Johanna


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: D

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: A


Spurts of basic second position playing feature in this track from Blonde on Blonde.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of D. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: Bb

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: F


Proof that Dylan can play clean notes! Some nice little melodic licks bookend this country-infused classic. Interestingly, Nashville harmonica player Charlie McCoy played bass on the recording.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of Bb. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Idiot Wind


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 1st position

Song Key: G


Idiot Wind features a key of G harmonica solo on the outro.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Hurricane


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: C

Position: 1st/4th position

Song Key: C/Am


A long and impassioned protest song about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, this song features some wonderful fiddle playing and some pretty bad harmonica playing! I hear the tonal centre as a bit ambiguous, hence the mixed song key and position in the information above, but it's definitely a C harp.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of C. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Jokerman


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: Eb

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: Bb


One of my favourite Dylan songs, and it's got a brilliantly dated music video where you can see him miming the harmonica part. Features some pretty clean harp playing by Dylan's standards.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of Eb. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Everything is Broken


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: A

Position: 2nd position

Song Key: E


Dylan gets funky! The first solo is extremely simple, the second has a bit more to it.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. Sara


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: G

Position: 4th position

Song Key: Em


It could be that Dylan uses the relative major harmonica for this song, or it's possible he's using an E minor-tuned harmonica which would have a similar sound to a G major instrument.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of G. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


  1. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go


Harmonica Type: Diatonic harmonica

Harmonica Key: E

Position: 1st position

Song Key: E


There's a flightiness to some of Dylan's recordings that gives his music a magical feeling, and this is another great example. I think that's when Dylan's harmonica playing works best.


You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of E. If you haven't already got one, you can buy one by clicking here. You don't have to use this link; if you do then I get a small commission.


What make and model of harmonica does Bob Dylan play?


First off, Dylan plays diatonic harmonica. That's the shorter, simpler version of the harmonica. (The other main type being the chromatic - with the button on the end - that Stevie Wonder and Larry Alder played. You may see Dylan in photos with one but he doesn't play it.)


Bob Dylan plays and endorses Hohner harmonicas. He played Hohner Marine Bands on his early recordings, and has also been known to use Hohner Special 20 and Hohner Blues Harp harmonicas.


Hohner sells some Bob Dylan "Signature Edition" harmonicas, but you really don't need them in order to sound like Dylan or play his songs accurately. You may want to buy them if you're a Dylan superfan, but a standard Hohner Marine Band, Special 20 or Blues Harp will work great for most Bob Dylan songs.


Is Bob Dylan a good harmonica player?


Bob Dylan is much maligned in the harmonica community for his sloppy technique and questionable ability. And yes, it's easy to dismiss his playing - but his contribution to the history of the instrument is hard to deny. Personally I will admit that I do find a few of his solos painful, but on the whole I enjoy his harmonica playing and what it adds to his music.


Dylan's harmonica solos are never about being flashy or showing off, they add texture and contrast to his music. Yes it's rough round the edges, but it's a big part of some of his greatest songs. And like many others, his music got me started playing the harmonica, so I'm always happy to defend him!


P.S. Check out this interesting (tongue-in-cheek?) defence of Dylan's harmonica playing.


I hope that's answered the question: what type and key of harmonica for Bob Dylan songs?


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