Harmonica Positions

Harmonica Positions

Positions on the harmonica using the key of C as a reference. (Hint: This is the circle of fifths)

1. C 1 4 7 10 Folk, Country, Major 4 -4 5 -5 6 -6 -7 7
2. G -2 6 9 Blues, Country
3. D -1 -4 -8 Minor
4. A -3" -6 -10 Relative minor 
5. E 2 5 8 Minor -5 and -9 are avoid notes.
6. B -3 -7 10'
7. F# -2' 5o 9'
8. Db -1' -4' -7o 
9. Ab -3"' -6' 9o
10. Eb 1o 4o 8'
11. Bb -3' 6o 10" Bb Major/G minor (relative minor)
12. F -2" -5 -9

The following chart can be used to convert HTAB to all 12 positions. The first line would be the scale assuming the key of C to start with. The last line is the Nashville Numbering System. The sample converts the first line of Oh, Susanna to all 12 positions. There are different ways to align the root notes of the different positions too, and this chart only includes one way. I think I chose the most common for 2nd and 3rd positions, but I'm not sure what would be most common for something like 11th position.

This chart can be used to convert harmonica tablature (HTAB) to the Nashville Number System (NNS)