Oh! Susanna

Key: C Major (perfect for C harmonica)
Tempo: Moderately fast (~120 BPM)

Verse 1

I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
-4  -4  -4  -5   6   6   5   5   4   4   -4   5   6

I'm goin' to Louisiana, my true love for to see
-4  -4  -4  -5   6   6   5   5   4   4   -4   5   -4

It rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry
-4  -4  -4  -5   6   6   5   5   4   4   -4   5   6

The sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna don't you cry
-4  -4  -4  -5   6   6   5   5   4   4   -4   5   -4

Chorus

Oh! Susanna, oh don't you cry for me
6   6   6   7   -8   8   8   7   6   6   5   5

'Cause I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
-4  -4  -4  -5   6   6   5   5   4   4   -4   5   6

Playing Tips

• Use gentle single notes in the middle register (holes 4–8).
• Add a light swing rhythm for that classic folk feel.
• On the chorus, you can blow holes 6-7-8 together for a fuller chord sound on “Oh! Susanna”.
• The final note can be held with vibrato for emotion.

Tip for beginners: If any draw notes feel tricky, you can play them straight without bending at first.

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