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How To Play the Harmonica - Chord Accompaniments

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Chord Accompaniments

Most players prefer to play only one tone at a time on the
harmonica, just as though they were playing a melody on a
violin or flute. Others, however, like to add a chord accompani-
ment. This is easy to do by the use of the tongue. Just remove
your tongue from the three holes to the left of the hole you are
playing, and as you blow or draw in the reeds in these three
holes will produce a three-note chord in perfect harmony with
the note of the fourth hole.

Always play a single note first. Put your tongue on the instru-
ment as usual, then take it off and put it back on quickly to
make single notes and chords as required.

Keep your tongue on the instrument for single notes; take it
off for a chord.

The Vibrato

Another effect a lot of harmonica players like to use is the
vibrato, which gives a tremolo effect as the notes are played.
Fig. 98 shows how the hands are placed to produce this effect.
Put the left or low-note end of the harmonica against the
middle joint of the left thumb, and put the other end between
the second and third joints of the right second finger. The right
hand should point up with the fingers bent slightly forward.