The Beatles Use of the Harmonica

Learn Why John Referred To It As A “Gimmick”

Due his parents seperation, John Lennon lived from 4 years old until his early 20’s with his mother’s sister Aunt Mimi and her husband George. It was he who gave a very young John his first musical instrument, a chromatic harmonica. Sadly, George who was as close to a father as Lennon ever had, passed away suddenly when John was 15.

For background, there are numerous harmonica types, but the most common are a chromatic and diatonic. A chromatic is larger, more expensive and difficult to learn to play and lacks the ability to bend notes. A diatonic is smaller, cheaper, provides more tonal flexibility and is the most popular. The less common bass harmonica provides a deep accordion sound. The Beatles used them all in their recordings from 1962 to 1968.

He was self-taught and played Uncle George’s gift for at least 10 years when he reportedly “pinched” his second harmonica in a shop in the Netherland’s in route to their first lengthy gig in Hamburg, Germany in 1960. It was believed to be a diatonic model.

The harmonica is historically associated with a wide variety of musical genres and are both popular and easily accessed worldwide. The band covered British hits featuring the harmonica in their 1961 set list including “I Remember You” prior…