Harmonica bend trainer
Practise single notes and bends on a 10-hole Richter diatonic harmonica. The initial chart is for a C harp; transpose the targets for other keys. Includes both draw bends and blow bends.
C Richter harmonica note chart
Holes 1–10 blow C4, E4, G4, C5, E5, G5, C6, E6, G6 and C7. Their draw notes are D4, G4, B4, D5, F5, A5, B5, D6, F6 and A6. Includes both draw bends and blow bends.
| Hole | Blow | Draw | Draw bends | Blow bends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C4 | D4 | C♯4 | — |
| 2 | E4 | G4 | F♯4, F4 | — |
| 3 | G4 | B4 | B♭4, A4, A♭4 | — |
| 4 | C5 | D5 | C♯5 | — |
| 5 | E5 | F5 | — | — |
| 6 | G5 | A5 | G♯5 | — |
| 7 | C6 | B5 | — | — |
| 8 | E6 | D6 | — | E♭6 |
| 9 | G6 | F6 | — | F♯6 |
| 10 | C7 | A6 | — | B6, B♭6 |
How to use it
- Enable the microphone and allow access in your browser. Audio is analysed on your device.
- Choose blow notes, draw notes, or either bend profile. For another key, transpose from C: a G harp is −5 semitones.
- Play one isolated note and let the attack settle. Compare its pitch, frequency and cents with the selected target.
- Select a bend, listen to the reference and hold it with moderate airflow. Check cents and stability before repeating.
Help and explanations
Each target names the hole and air direction. Pitch detection cannot distinguish two holes producing the same note: choose the target manually in those cases.
The C Richter layout
Holes 1–10 blow C4, E4, G4, C5, E5, G5, C6, E6, G6 and C7. Their draw notes are D4, G4, B4, D5, F5, A5, B5, D6, F6 and A6.
Bends and factory tuning
Hole 3 draw has B♭4, A4 and A♭4 bend targets. Targets use equal temperament for practice; some harmonicas intentionally offset notes at the factory to favour chords.
Blow bends are E♭6 at hole 8, F♯6 at 9, and B6 or B♭6 at 10. These lower the note and are distinct from overblows. Harmonica.com.
Tips
- Use a quiet room and place the instrument near the microphone without touching it.
- Agree on a reference with the other players; changing concert A changes every target.
- Practise short sets with breaks. A stability percentage describes the measured passage and does not certify playing technique.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this chart for a chromatic harmonica?
This chart is for Richter diatonics. For chromatic, tremolo or alternate tunings, use a chromatic tuner and the manufacturer’s chart.
What are the hole 3 bends on a C harp?
The unbent draw note is B4. Its three semitone bend targets are B♭4, A4 and A♭4; select the one you want to practise.
Can the tool identify the hole I play?
It measures pitch. G4 can be hole 3 blow or hole 2 draw, for example; a microphone alone cannot identify your choice.
Do I need an app or an audio upload?
No. This tool runs in your browser and measures sound locally without uploading a recording.