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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- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
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Great songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: popular tracks (41–50) that look cool when you can play them
Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko
This song, for which composer Naohiko Terashima conceived both the melody and the lyrics during a visit to Okinawa in 1964, was created in memory of the many people who died in the Battle of Okinawa during the Pacific War and still rest beneath the sugarcane fields.
It became widely known after Ryoko Moriyama included it on her release “Ryoko Moriyama College Folk Album No.
2.” Many artists besides Ryoko Moriyama have covered it as well.
The sound of the harmonica feels like a breeze blowing across the sugarcane fields.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
This song by MONGOL800, released in 2001, became a huge hit.
It’s often sung at karaoke and feels very familiar, but apparently it has never actually been released as a single.
It’s frequently used in commercials and covered by other artists.
The song works well with virtually any instrument, and if you’re playing it on harmonica, it should be a lot of fun to perform together with percussion like a cajón.
paprikaFoorin
If you’re looking for a harmonica piece for children to enjoy, this is the one to try! It’s a track by the music unit Foorin, released in 2018.
It became widely known after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
It’s a piece with a gentle tone and melody that people of all ages can enjoy.
The key is figuring out how to recreate the song’s cheerful vibe on the harmonica.
Amazing GraceHeirī Wesutenra
John Newton, the lyricist and a pastor from England, was originally involved in the slave trade.
It is said that he composed this piece out of repentance for that involvement and gratitude to God for forgiving him.
Knowing this background deepens our feelings for the song, doesn’t it? The melody is simple and doesn’t require chromatic notes, making it easy to learn, so it’s a recommended piece for harmonica beginners and for those who only played a little when they were children.
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika
This song, known as one of the signature themes of the Pokémon anime and featuring Rica Matsumoto’s memorable vocals, was released in 1997 and became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.
Its lyrics, which sing of the courage to push toward one’s dreams and the bonds with friends, have captured the hearts of many.
In 2017, a 20th-anniversary version was released and used as the theme song for the film Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! When played on harmonica, its familiar, widely recognized melody rings out with a clear tone.
Loved by people of all ages, it’s sure to liven up any event or gathering where it’s performed.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This song might be perfect for a harmonica performance at a celebratory event.
It’s a track by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, a singer-songwriter from Kagoshima Prefecture, and the title song of an album released in 1980.
Thanks to its lyrics celebrating new beginnings in life, it’s popular as background music for weddings and receptions, as well as a karaoke favorite.
Nagabuchi’s masculine vocals are really cool.
The tempo is on the slower side, so even beginners may find it approachable.
Put your heart into playing it and make it a moving performance!
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
This song, released in 1971 by American country singer John Denver, became a huge hit.
In Japan, Honna Youko’s cover version was used in the Studio Ghibli animated film “Whisper of the Heart,” leading to a revival hit and renewed appreciation for the song.
The simple tone of the harmonica suits country songs very well.
Playing it while strumming the guitar is difficult, but it might be especially cool.