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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