20 Fun Harmonica Songs to Play in the Key of C

The harmonica is an incredibly interesting and unique instrument. The harmonica can be played on virtually every song; the challenge is selecting the ideal ones that would provide a fun learning and playing experience.

When it comes to choosing and playing the right songs on the harmonica, it’s a sort of priority to find the most fun ones and ones that will make the learning process enjoyable. Because of this, I’ve compiled a list of 20 fun harmonica songs in the key of C for precisely the purpose of allowing you to learn and have fun at the same time.

Let’s dive in!

1. Imagine – John Lennon

John Lennon’s Imagine is the perfect way to start this list. The song was released in 1971 under the same-name album. Applying these beautiful melodies on the harmonica is a privilege and a fun one at that for any harmonica player.

As far as difficulty is concerned, it’s rather easy and suitable for intermediate players. If you want to play it in the key of C, the above link will show you exactly how to learn and play this beautiful song.

2. Let It Be – The Beatles

Who doesn’t know Let It Be by The Beatles? This song was released in the year 1970. It was written by Lennon-McCartney and also sung by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This song was included in the album Let It Be and makes for an interesting experience to learn and have under your belt.

Imagine how fun it would be to pull out your harmonica and perform this masterpiece to family and friends. For more detailed info on how to learn it, the link above will provide everything you will need.

3. No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley

No Woman No Cry is well-known by everyone at this point. The legendary Bob Marley released this song in the year 1974. Can you imagine how this song will sound on the harmonica? One word – Amazing!

When you get a taste of how the song sounds when played on the harmonica in the key of C, you will simply jump at the opportunity to learn it. Have fun learning and performing this one to friends and family, as well as other gatherings.

4. Ho Hey – The Lumineers

The Lumineers have long been a staple of fun-sounding songs and energy. Their song Ho Hey was released in 2012 and was stuck in everybody’s head.

As an avid music fan myself, I can not recall a single party, festival, or get-together that did not include The Lumineers’ Ho Hey playing at least once. Learning this song on the harmonica will definitely turn heads wherever you are.

Give it a try and get it under your belt as soon as possible.

5. Don’t Look Back In Anger – Oasis

Don’t Look Back In Anger is probably one of the most recognizable songs on this list. Oasis released this one in 1996 and it has been a staple on radio and in bars and parties ever since.

If you just check out the cover linked above, you will immediately see that this song performs well with just about any instrument, let alone the beautiful-sounding harmonica.

Having this one in your arsenal can surely come in handy when trying to impress your partner or family and friends.

6. Piano Man – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s Piano Man is simply a classic for a reason. This song was released in 1973 and is a song that actually has a harmonica within the song, as opposed to most on the list that are covers.

Learning the trademark sound which makes this song such a brilliant one will be brag-worthy for anyone. Being able to perform this, or just the fact of knowing how to play it will definitely enrich your musical experience.

7. I Want You – Bob Dylan

You can’t have the harmonica in a sentence and not mention Bob Dylan. His song I Want You was released in 1966 and featured the harmonica prominently. Dylan had an asthma attack after recording this song, but it didn’t put him off playing the instrument later in his life.

When he played live at Manchester Free Trade Hall in 1966, the loudness of his harmonica could be heard over most instruments. This will surely pique the interest of harmonica enthusiasts to learn this if you haven’t already. It’s a guaranteed fun experience as well as musical progression.

8. I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – Elton John

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues is a timeless classic by Elton John that anyone just starts singing as soon as they hear it. The song was released in 1983 on the album Too Low For Zero.

This song is about missing someone that you loved but have been forced apart from. Nothing like picking up your harmonica and delving into the bluesy nature of the song that will just help you express yourself even more.

The song is really fun to learn actually, and will certainly come in handy for future get-togethers.

9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? – Carole King

Carole King’s Will You Love Me Tomorrow? was released in 1960. It was one of the first songs where both a man and a woman expressed their concerns about a physical relationship. To be able to play this on the harmonica, you need to master some key changes.

Nevertheless, it will make you a better player and provide you with a fun song to play. You’ll express your own emotions through the beautiful-sounding harmonica tunes.

10. Drops Of Jupiter – Train

Drops Of Jupiter is a Train song that was released in 2001 as the first single from their album Drops Of Jupiter. The song is emotionally driven by a longing for simpler times and is a reflection of vocalist Patrick Monahan’s life.

Imagine playing your harmonica and being able to produce the sounds of a lush orchestra with just a mouthpiece and a couple of holes. Such is the magic of the harmonica! No doubt that you will enjoy learning this one and playing it even more.

11. Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Let’s be real here, we’ve all wanted to play harmonica on Bad To The Bone. George Thorogood & The Destroyers released this song in 1982 and it’s gotten a lot of airplay on classic rock radio.

You can’t deny the appeal of soloing over this song, especially if you play the harmonica. With Bad To The Bone, nothing sounds more impressive than sounding like a cool harmonica player. When and wherever you play it, it will undoubtedly attract attention.

12. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen sounds amazing in any setting. The song was released in 1984 and has become one of the most covered songs in modern music. It’s an essential song that everyone appreciates.

Playing it on the harmonica is a truly great challenge and a great accomplishment. Having this in your arsenal will come in handy when trying to serenade your partner and even make for a fun performance for family and friends too!

13. La Bamba – Ritchie Valens

La Bamba is known worldwide thanks to Los Lobos, but the real accreditation has to go to Ritchie Valens. He released this song in 1958 and currently resides on the Rolling Stone magazine′s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

A fast-paced tune that will be a challenge to master on the harmonica but will give you a beautiful-sounding product in return. Imagine the next house party you attend, you can pull out the harmonica and provide everyone with a memorable experience.

14. Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley

Love Me Tender is another timeless classic we all know and love. Elvis released this song in 1956, and it quickly climbed the charts. The song is truly breathtaking and the lyrics are very romantic.

Imagine this played on the harmonica, as the song takes on a whole new meaning as you play it. This will surely come in handy when you want to impress that special someone in your life. What better way to go about it then with an Elvis song.

15. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Harold Arlen

Somewhere Over The Rainbow gives all of us a warm feeling inside. Harold Arlen released this song in 1939 and was a huge success. It was released for the movie The Wizard Of Oz and has since then been a staple for many music lovers.

This beautiful song becomes even more beautiful when played on the harmonica. The harmonica brings the song to a new level and provides an unforgettable sound for anyone who hears it. So, get to learning!

16. Stand By Me – Ben E. King

You didn’t really think that I won’t include Stand By Me? Ben E. King’s masterpiece was released in the United States in 1961 and has since then been a part of the American culture. The song is still to this day culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.

Learning in on the harmonica will give you a song to play for the rest of your life which you can play wherever and whenever. I know you’re family and friends will love it! I know you will get good at it.

17. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads is an evergreen, to say the least. The song was released in 1971 and became an instant hit, which is why it’s become the go-to karaoke song for everyone who wants to express their inner country boy (or girl).

This song on the harmonica sounds awesome too. Learning it will be even more impressive, and will certainly be of good use when you feel like some country-style partying and playing for family and friends.

18. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

We all know Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran as it was practically everywhere when it came out. The song was released in December 2014 and since then it got very popular and even more as time went on.

What better way to impress or serenade that special someone than with the harmonica in hand and letting emotions pour through the instrument. Learning it is fairly easy and will suit you very well for any future event or moment.

19. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

This one takes us back to a lovelier time in our lives for sure. Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World was released in 1967. It was not really received very well in England and France, but it managed to become an instant #1 hit in the US.

Most likely every other person knows this tune. Learning in on the harmonica is really not that difficult – it’s a straightforward 12-bar blues. In return, you will have a go-to song for any occasion that will impress almost anyone.

20. Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin

What better way to close off this list than with Stairway To Heaven. Led Zeppelin released this one in 1971 and I’m pretty sure that just about everyone has heard it. This mellow and emotion-packed song is definitely a good addition to your harmonica repertoire.

Playing it on the harmonica is worth the effort. The song is impressive no mat­ter which instrument you choose but the harmonica just gives it a whole new feel and leaves anyone speechless.

Summary

The harmonica is a wonderful instrument that adds a whimsical and impressing sound to any music. The harmonica is easy enough to learn – you can have a go-to song for special occasions in just a few days of dedicated practice.

This list is a nice mix of blues, rock n’ roll, pop, and country songs that anyone should be able to play. Listening to the tunes while learning the melodies will help you get a hang of each song’s structure and vibe quickly.

Learning in on them is fun and challenging at the same time which makes it a great way to spend some time every day. Go ahead and give it a go – you won’t regret it!

Milan Trajkovikj

Milan Trajkovikj

I’m the Deputy Editor for Musician Wave and a touring and recording bass guitarist. I love to share my passion for all things music. I’ve been playing music for over ten years and I love exploring it further through writing. You'll also find me on the Musician Wave YouTube channel.

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