Howard Levy teaches "Danny Boy" on Harmonica

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, we're digging out an old Howard Levy harmonica lesson that's sure to get you in the Irish spirt. It's the classic Irish anthem "Danny Boy", broken down on harmonica for all you harp heads out there. This is a "very simple version" according to Howard, so don't be intimidated if you're new to learning harmonica. Howard also introduces some more advanced techniques in this lesson, just to give you a taste of how far you can take this deceptively simple instrument. 

Howard first breaks down the melody of "Danny Boy" in the key of G, using a G Harp in 1st Position. Without knowing how to bend notes (which is a more advanced technique that Howard also teaches in his online harmonica lessons) the only way to play this is in the upper octave.

This is a good practice for beginners who often struggle to hit the notes in the top octave. The idea is to stay relaxed… The thing to remember is, just let the breath flow freely through the reeds.

Howard walks you through the melody of "Danny Boy", which as he explains is basically the notes of the Major Scale with a few intervals.  It starts on the 7 draw. For some added flare, Howard adds what he calls his "campfire vibrato", giving the music a nice lonesome feel.

The middle section of the song does require a bend, which can be tricky for beginners, but Howard encourages everyone to give it a try and keep practicing.  Overtime it will begin to feel natural, and you'll have a new harmonica technique to add to your vocabulary. Howard also demonstrates what the melody sounds like using some intervalic playing, which does require some tongue blocking (another more advanced technique). If you're a beginner harmonica player, it will help motivate you to get better by hearing these more advanced techniques and gives you something to strive for.

This is just one of the hundreds of harmonica lessons from Howard Levy available at his online Harmonica School. Students have access to his entire harmonica lesson curriculum, as well as backing tracks to play along to and tablature/music notation. Fill out the form for more free sample lessons! 

Related Harmonica Blogs:

• Interview with Howard Levy
• Beginner Harmonica Lessons: "Row Row Row Your Boat"
• Why You Should Learn The Harmonica
• Howard Levy Plays Harmonica at the Holiday Party
• Harmonica Lesson: Smooth Breathing
• History of Harmonica: Part 1
• Howard Levy on the Harmonica Overblow
• World Harmonica Championship: Trossingen, 1993
• Harmonica Heroes on NPR featuring Howard Levy
• Harmonica Lesson: Pentatonic Scale Exercise