The River (harp parts, simplified)

by Bruce Springsteen · posted by morbius

How hard is it?

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How to read this tab — notation key

+: Blow note
−: Draw note
b or ': Half-step bend
bb or '': Two half-step bend
bbb or ''': Three half-step bend
(###): Chord — relevant hole numbers in parentheses
< or *: Push the button in (chromatic harmonica)

Full reference and posting tips in the tab guide.

Tab

The River contains possibly the best harmonica solo in any Rock song. I've listened to the song from the album very carefully and I've purged many short tones and small bends Bruce makes to make his awesome solo more beginner friendly. So keep in mind that this is not an exact tab, it's a bit simplified, but it sounds just as great as the original. The only bend that was impossible to avoid is on the 6 draw, but don't be intimidated by it, experiment with your tongue position, it doesn't have to sound clean. I've marked with "L" notes that you should hold longer and possibly add them little vibrato effect. 

Intro:

-6  -6b  -7  7L
8 -8 7 -6bL
8  -8  7  -8  -6L

Mid solo:

-6   -6b   -7   7L   8   -8L   7  -6bL
8   9   9L   -10  -10  9   -8  7L 
 -10L  -10  9  7   -10L   8  8  -8  7  -6L
7  -8  -8  7  -8   7  -6L
6   7   -7   -6L

Play on a harmonica— watch which holes to blow & draw, with sound