Mastering the 2 Draw Note on Harmonica: Tips for Beginners and Comparison with 3 Blow

Liam Ward
5 hours ago
3 min read

Hello! In today's free harmonica lesson, we're looking at the sometimes troublesome two draw note.

Some harmonica notes challenge beginners more than others. The harmonica 2 draw note is one of those tricky sounds that often causes frustration. Getting it right takes practice. It's also important to understand how it differs from the 3 blow. This guide will help you to play the 2 draw with confidence and clarity.

A photograph of a 10-hole diatonica harmonica, specifically showing the 10 holes of the harmonica — 10 hole diatonic harmonica

Beginner harmonica players tend to start out playing lots of simple melodies in the middle octave of the harmonica - holes 4 to 7. These notes are relatively easy to play. But when it gets to other holes - especially the 2 draw - suddenly it can seem a lot more difficult.

How to Play the Harmonica 2 Draw Note Properly

The 2 draw note requires you to inhale air through the second hole of the harmonica. Unlike blow notes, draw notes pull air in, which can feel unnatural at first, and the 2 draw can be especially difficult to get comfortable with. Here are some practical tips to get it right:

Position your mouth correctly: Place your lips gently around the second hole. Get the harmonica deep into your mouth to open up your airway.
Control your breath: Inhale smoothly and steadily. Avoid sucking too hard, which can cause a harsh or airy sound.
Relax your throat: Tension in your throat can make the note sound strained. Think of breathing calmly through your nose.
Use a tuner or app: Check if you are hitting the correct pitch. The 2 draw note on a standard C harmonica is G.

Beginners often struggle because they try to force the air or don’t isolate the hole properly. Take your time and focus on smooth airflow. Here is a video lesson going into more detail:

Differences Between 2 Draw and 3 Blow Notes

On a standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica, the 2 draw and 3 blow holes are the same note:

A graphic of a 10 hole diatonica harmonica in the key of C, showing all the different keys for the 10 draw notes and 10 blow notes — The 10 hole diatonic harmonica - in the key of C

However, you may notice tonal/timbre differences between them. More importantly, they respond in radically different ways. You can bend the 2 draw down a full tone - this means you can get extra melodic notes on it, as well as adding texture at the start or end of the note, or adding a deep and rich vibrato. The 3 blow note won't do any of that. It can be useful for balancing your breath, but most blues players almost always play the 2 draw ahead of the 3 blow if they have the choice.

That said, the 3 blow note is easier for many beginners to play because it is more forgiving of poor techinque. As seen above, the 2 draw note requires more breath control and mouth positioning.

To further explore the difference between the 2 draw and the 3 blow, watch this video:

Tips to Improve Your 2 Draw Note

Here are some focused exercises and tips to improve your 2 draw note:

Slow breathing exercises: Practice inhaling through the harmonica slowly to build control.
Isolate and repeat: Play the 2 draw note repeatedly, aiming for a clean, steady tone.
Switch between 2 draw and 3 blow: Alternate between these notes to train your mouth and breath coordination.
Use a mirror: Watch your mouth shape to ensure you are not covering extra holes.
Record yourself: Listening back helps identify if the note is clear or airy.

Remember, patience is key. The 2 draw note is a foundation for many blues and folk melodies, so mastering will open you up to more musical possibilities.

How the 2 Draw Note Fits in Harmonica Playing

The 2 draw note is essential for playing melodies and chords in many harmonica styles. It often appears in blues, folk, and country music. Once you master the 2 draw note, you will notice your overall harmonica playing improves. It’s a stepping stone to more complex sounds.