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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Great songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: popular tracks (21–30) that look cool when you can play them.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
It’s a smash hit written as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural.” Composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who has produced numerous masterpieces like “Paprika” and “Kanden,” it was released in 2017 as his eighth single.
The message of love directed toward a precious person who is no longer here is heavy, heartrending, and deeply moving.
It might be good to focus on how to express that melancholy with the harmonica.
The spacing between phrases could be crucial.
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!
Goodbye Busyuzu
Yuzu is an artist strongly associated with the harmonica, and their gentle, upbeat songs match the instrument’s tone perfectly.
Among their tracks, how about trying “Sayonara Bus,” which begins with a memorable harmonica phrase? Because it opens with harmonica, you can carry the performance straight into the vocal part without any sense of mismatch—the tone blends naturally.
Each note is articulated clearly, so it’s important to play with attention to phrasing and dynamics.
blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS
Among THE BLUE HEARTS’ songs, many people say they love “Aozora.” Released in 1989 as the band’s third single, it was also included on the smash-hit album TRAIN-TRAIN and later issued as a single.
With lyrics and a melody that grip the heart and won’t let go, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression even on harmonica.
When it’s performed, you can’t help but listen to the tone and find yourself singing along in your heart—perhaps it’s that kind of song.
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.
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.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Kaientai’s “Okuru Kotoba” is such a beautiful song—its gentle, conversational lyrics and melody really resonate with the heart.
The softly flowing melody pairs perfectly with the sound of the harmonica.
By taking a brief breath between phrases, you can add depth and create a warmer performance.
When playing it on the harmonica, practice with the intention of producing a tone that feels like a tender conversation.
If you can also express subtle pitch variations, you’ll be able to aim for an even more moving performance.