First Lessons Gospel Harp

Among the various instruments for which the Beautiful American Airs and Ballads series was conceived, the diatonic harmonica is a standout. With or without the “bends” played by the author on the companion online recording, the 19 plaintive, single-note melodies in this book are guaranteed to engage the player and move the listener.

The music herein is written in standard notation and blow/draw harmonica tablature for the diatonic harmonica in C. Suggested accompaniment chords are also provided. Using the tablature alone, this music can be played on any diatonic harmonica and (a different harmonica key such as G or A) the instrument itself will make the mechanical transposition. The chords, however, would have to be transposed by the accompanist.

Phil Duncan has written more than 40 harmonica books for Mel Bay Publications. He believes that participation is key to the enjoyment of music, and that the harmonica and tunes in this collection are the perfect vehicles for that participation.