Chromatic harmonica transcriptions
Chromatic Harmonica
Transcriptions of chromatic harmonica recordings
Full instructions are provided here
The following chromatic harmonica transcription files are available:
- Note You need to download the Transcribe! software before you can use the download files (see 'Basic instructions' on the right). You can use the YouTube videos instead (where available), which offers some looping and slow down options, but not as good as Transcribe!
- Check the 'Chromatic tablature' on the right
- Bluesette: Toots Thielemans (instr), C chromatic
- Dixon of Dock Green Theme: Tommy Reilly (instr), C chromatic
- East Of The Sun: Toots Thielemans (instr), C chromatic
- For Once In My Life: Stevie Wonder (solo), C chromatic
- Navy Lark Theme: Tommy Reilly (instr), C chromatic
- Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (instr): Antonio Serrano, C chromatic:
- Sophisticated Lady: Larry Adler (instr), C chromatic
- Summertime: Larry Adler (instr), C chromatic
- There Must Be An Angel (solo): Stevie Wonder, C chromatic
- Yesterday: Julian Jackson (instr), C chromatic
Blues Chromatic
- Blowing Like Hell: William Clarke (instr), Bb chromatic (Transcribe! file raised pitch by whole tone so can use C chromatic)
- Diamonds At Her Feet: Little Walter (solo), C chromatic
- I'm Ready: Little Walter (solo), C chromatic
Song types
intro = the harmonica intro on the song
solo = the harmonica solo from the song
instr = a full or part harmonica instrumental song
full = full song
Basic instructions
- 1. Download the Transcribe! software (Note: there is a 30 day free trial, then you have to purchase, current cost $39)
- 2. Download the song you want to learn from the left
- 3. Open the Transcribe! file (.xsc) in the Transcribe! software
- 4. Import the song downloaded (.mp3) into the Transcribe! software
- Full instructions are provided here
- Alternatively, you can use the YouTube videos, but they don't allow you to loop or slow down the songs
Chromatic tablature
Number, e.g. 6 = hole to be played
b = blow
d = draw
1 following number + b/d, e.g. 3d1 = 3 draw, slide in
Numbers grouped together >9, e.g. 10, 11, 12 = those holes on 12 hole chromatic
Numbers grouped together in brackets, e.g. (2d,3d), (5b,6b,7b) = chord, play notes shown together
Numbers grouped together without a space following comma, e.g. 3d,3d1 = notes played in quick succession (often first note is grace note)
x3 or x4, etc. = play 3 or 4 times. You get the idea
trill = rapidly playing between the two holes shown, e.g. "4d~5d trill"
octave, e.g. 3-7b = play 3b and 7b with tongue blocking 4b,5b,6b
gliss = glissando: quickly slide up or down harmonica, as shown
vib = vibrato (there's various types, just play what you hear)
Note With chromatic harmonica there is a choice between the repeat notes, e.g. 4d1, 4b, 5b: my preference is shown but feel free to use your own preference
Just play along with the transcription files: you'll soon get the hang of them!
Disclaimer
The transcriptions provided on this website are entirely my own work. They are not endorsed by the artists and they do not claim to be 100% accurate. They are to be used as a guide on what notes to play. The idea is to play the tablature shown in the marked sections along with the music within the Transcribe! file, copying the various effects and inflections applied by the harmonica player.Read the instructions.
If you want to suggest amendments to the files, please Contact me.
Note on copyright of songs
The material on this website is for educational purposes only. The providing of mp3 recordings to this end is made under the principle of 'fair use'.
Playing along with the original recordings is essential in using these transcriptions. Hence they are supplied along with the transcription files. To minimise the impact of potential copyright issues only the harmonica solo or introduction is provided in most cases. Full songs are provided where the song is a complete harmonica instrumental.
It is hoped that the transcriptions shown here will be an introduction to the various artists, and you subsequently go ahead and buy as many of their songs as you can!
