How to Read This Chart
Columns = Holes
Each column represents a hole on your harmonica (1–10), numbered across the top from left to right.
Rows = Techniques
The chart has 5 rows, from top to bottom:
- Top row — Overblows (holes 1–5, advanced)
- 2nd row — Blow notes (breathe out)
- Middle row — Bends (standard bending technique)
- 4th row — Draw notes (breathe in)
- Bottom row — Overdraws (holes 6–10, advanced)
Numbers = Scale Degrees
Each circle displays a scale degree number. 1 is the root note of the selected scale. This is the same idea as the Nashville Number System. A flat symbol (♭) means the note is a half-step lower (e.g., 3♭ = minor 3rd).
Colors
Colored + bordered — Root note of the scale
Colored — Note is in the selected scale
Dimmed — Available on the harmonica but not in this scale
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Chromatic Scale, Ab4 Richter Diatonic in 9th
E
F
F#
G
Ab
A
Bb
B
C
Db
D
Eb