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How to play Wild Mountain Thyme / Will Ye Go Lassie Go on harmonica | Scottish Folk Song

Updated: Sep 18

Today's free lesson is a play-along harmonica video lesson for Wild Mountain Thyme (also known as "Purple Heather" and "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?" on a key of C diatonic harmonica. This song has both Scottish and Irish heritage, and is a very popular traditional folk song.


The version of the song we sing today was actually written in the 1950s by Scottish musician Francis McPeake, who adapted older verses and melodies into the recognisable song we all know and love.


On harmonica, this is a wonderful tune to learn because of its lyrical, flowing melody. It’s perfect for practicing breath control and phrasing, giving you the chance to bring out the haunting beauty and emotional depth that make this song so timeless.





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