Masterpieces you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular songs that look cool if you can play them.
The harmonica is one of the classic instruments you’ll find at school.
Many of you have probably played it in music class, right?
Because it’s a simple instrument that produces sound just by blowing, even small children can play it easily—that’s the nice part.
This time, we’re introducing famous songs you’ll want to try playing on the harmonica at least once.
We’ve gathered a genre-spanning selection, from long-loved Japanese and Western songs to recent popular J-pop.
If you’re thinking, “I want to play popular songs on the harmonica,” or “I want to perform the harmonica in front of people,” be sure to use this as a reference!
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Famous songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Cool popular tracks to master (11–20)
threadNakajima Miyuki
How about expressing your feelings to someone special with a harmonica? This is one of the signature songs by Miyuki Nakajima, the Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter behind many classics, released as a single in 1998.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).
Some of you might even have it as your go-to karaoke number.
The song’s worldview, likening human connections to threads, really hits home, doesn’t it? Pour your heart into it and give it a try on the harmonica.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars’ “TSUNAMI,” a song that many people know across generations, conveys a sense of poignancy on a grand scale.
By switching between a wide range of tones—from bright to wistful—you can fully express the song’s world even on the harmonica.
Once you get used to practicing, try adding vibrato and dynamic contrast to match the music, aiming for a performance with clear contours.
Cherish the mood and play with feeling.
Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji
Composed by Yuji Ohno, who is also a jazz pianist, this piece is an instrumental without lyrics despite being an anime theme song.
Its cool jazz vibe has made it a popular number often performed on various instruments.
Many people wonder if it can be played on harmonica, but the structure is simpler than you might think, and there’s no issue playing the main melody line.
Advanced players should try tackling the solo in the interlude as well.
What is it? lolFuji Kaze
This track features a lively rhythm infused with elements of jazz and gospel, along with striking, impactful phrasing.
Released digitally in November 2019 as Kaze Fujii’s debut single, it drew attention for its lyrics that incorporate the Okayama dialect and its unique musical style, and it has become a favorite in live performances.
With a groove reminiscent of Western music and Fujii’s seductive vocal delivery, the song has been praised for its addictive quality and is also perfect for harmonica practice.
It pairs exceptionally well with the instrument, whose tone can change dramatically with each breath.
Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Speaking of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, he’s also strongly associated with powerfully playing the harmonica at his live shows.
His songs pair perfectly with the harmonica’s tone, so how about practicing “Junrenka” as an assignment piece? At concerts, the intro is sometimes played on harmonica, but if you focus more on the vocal part when you play, the moderate tempo might make it easier to blow.
Since Nagabuchi’s singing is powerful with clear enunciation, it seems best to pay attention to phrasing and aim for a sound that captures that vocal quality.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Sakurazaka” is a captivating song with a slow tempo, a wistful melody, and delicate lyrics.
Aim for a gentle, careful performance that quietly resonates with the listener’s heart.
Pitch and rhythm are key points as well, so practice with an awareness of accuracy.
Once you’re comfortable, try adding vibrato and wider dynamics.
Let the harmonica’s tone bring out the beauty of the melody!
Great songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: popular tracks (21–30) that look cool when you can play them.
Let It BeBītoruzu
This song was written in 1970 by Paul McCartney as the Beatles were breaking up, and it’s said that his late mother appeared to him and told him to “let it be,” addressing a pessimistic Paul.
It’s a cool track featuring Paul’s piano and a gospel-tinged organ sound.
The guitar solo section would probably sound great played on harmonica as well.
If possible, performing it with piano might capture the song’s essence more faithfully.