The Type and Key of Harmonica Used by Bob Dylan
Updated: Jan 29
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.
Contents (click to jump)
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Bob Dylan's 30 Most Famous Harmonica Songs: Quick Breakdown
Here is a list of Bob Dylan's famous songs which feature harmonica:
Blowin' in the Wind - D diatonic harmonica
The Times They Are A-Changin' - G diatonic harmonica
Mr. Tambourine Man - F diatonic harmonica
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - A diatonic harmonica
Just Like a Woman - E diatonic harmonica
Tangled Up in Blue - A diatonic harmonica
Like a Rolling Stone - C diatonic harmonica
I Shall Be Released - D diatonic harmonica
It Ain't Me, Babe - G diatonic harmonica
Forever Young - D diatonic harmonica
Subterranean Homesick Blues - D diatonic harmonica
Girl from the North Country - Bb diatonic harmonica
Maggie's Farm - C diatonic harmonica
All Along the Watchtower - E diatonic harmonica
Shelter from the Storm - E diatonic harmonica
Simple Twist of Fate - A diatonic harmonica
You're a Big Girl Now - G diatonic harmonica
All I Really Wanna Do - A diatonic harmonica
I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met) - G diatonic harmonica
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue - E diatonic harmonica
Desolation Row - E diatonic harmonica
Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35 - Bb harmonica
Visions of Johanna - D diatonic harmonica
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight - Bb diatonic harmonica
Idiot Wind - G diatonic harmonica
Hurricane - C diatonic harmonica
Jokerman - Eb diatonic harmonica
Everything is Broken - A diatonic harmonica
Sara - G diatonic harmonica
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Girl From The North Country
rmonica 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which Albums Does Bob Dylan Play Harmonica On?
Using data from this amazing Reddit post, I analysed 453 Bob Dylan studio tracks and found that 128 tracks include harmonica so that's around 28% of Dylan's album output.
There's lots of harmonica on the first eight Dylan albums which span the years 1962-1967:
Bob Dylan
Freewheelin’
The Times They Are
Another Side
Bringing It All
Highway 61
Blonde on Blonde
John Wesley Harding
His use of harmonica on recordings becomes sporadic after that. 'Blood on the Tracks' (1975) has a lot and then there's very little harmonica from 'Good As I Been to You' (1992) onwards (with a bit of a resurgence on a couple of his recent albums).
What Keys of Harmonica Does Bob Dylan Play Most?
I used stats from this brilliant article by Christer Svensson and ran the numbers. It turns out the most common harmonica keys used by Bob Dylan are actually really surprising! I got the following results:
G - 38 songs - approx 23% *
C - 34 songs - approx 20%
E - 24 songs - approx 15%
D - 23 songs - approx 13%
A - 19 songs - approx 12%
F - 13 songs - approx 8%
Bb - 5 songs - approx 3%
Eb - 4 songs - approx 2%
Ab - 2 songs - approx 1%
F# - 1 song - approx 1%
Db - 1 song - approx 1%
B - 1 song - approx 1%
Most of these keys are in a pretty standard order but, for me, the biggest surprise is that he uses a key of E harmonica so frequently - around 15% of the time. He plays an E harmonica on classic songs such as Just Like a Woman, All Along the Watchtower, It's All Over Now Baby Blue, Desolation Row, and You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.
Blues harmonica players very rarely play an E harp, but I think the thing with Dylan is his choice of harmonica is always extremely pragmatic. Song's in E? OK, grab an E harp. Basically he uses whatever he needs in the moment.
*Interestingly, Christer believes Dylan uses a high-tuned G harp on 'Absolutely Sweet Marie'
What Harmonica Positions Does Bob Dylan Play?
By my calculations using a recent analysis of Bob Dylan's studio album output, Dylan uses the following positions on harmonica:
1st position - 96 songs - approx 60%
2nd position - 55 songs - approx 35%
4th position - 3 songs - approx 3%
5th position - 1 song - approx 1%
12th position - 1 song - approx 1%
It's no surprise that Bob Dylan uses 1st position more than any other; after all, it fits perfectly with his loose, folky sound. However it shocked me that he uses 2nd position (cross harp) around 35% of the time. This is the most "bluesy" position and not really what he's known for.
Fourth position is up next, with notable exampels on All Along the Watchtower, Hurricane, and Sara. This is a great position for minor keys and that's how Dylan uses it most often.
He also uses a couple of other positions very sparingly: on 'As I Went Out One Morning' he is in fifth position (song key F# minor - harmonica key D) and for 'Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts' he plays in 12th posiition (song key D - harmonica key A)
Outside of his own work, Dylan has played quite a lot of session harmonica, and I think it's possible he is playing in 3rd position as a guest on the Sly & Robbie track ‘No Name On The Bullet’ but I have not included it in my list as I only used his own studio albums for the data.
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. Listen in to this Harmonica Happy Hour podcast 'Bob Dylan Special' where I discuss Dylan's harmonica playing with Ross Garren and Rob Paparozzi, who both worked on the film 'A Complete Unknown'.
I hope that's answered the question: what type and key of harmonica for Bob Dylan songs?
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