Hurt
Learning harmonica through Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” is a powerful way to build real playing skill—whether you're a total beginner or already bending notes like a pro. This song’s slow, emotional phrasing makes it perfect for practicing breath control, timing, and expressive single-note playing, all while sounding great from the very first riff. With clear harmonica tabs and step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn how to shape the melody, add dynamics, and grow your confidence one note at a time. Dive in, follow the tabs, and let this haunting classic take you from zero to hero on the harmonica.
How to play the first line of Hurt on harmonica
Get a Am diatonic harmonica
This Hurt tab is written for a Am diatonic harmonica.
Read the hole numbers
Each number is a hole. A plain number (6) means blow out, a number with a minus sign (-5) means draw in.
Play the first line slowly
The first line is -6 7 -6 6 -5 -6 -4 -5 -4 -5 6 -6: 3 blow and 9 draw notes. Play it slowly, one clean note at a time, then match the rhythm of the recording.
Carry on line by line
Once the first line sounds clean, learn the rest of the tab one line at a time. This tab needs no bends.
Questions about this tab
- What harmonica do I need for Hurt?
- A Am diatonic harmonica. The Hurt harmonica tab on this page is written for that harp.
- Is Hurt easy to play on harmonica?
- This song is marked beginner level. Its tab needs no bends.
- What are the first notes of Hurt on harmonica?
- The first line is -6 7 -6 6 -5 -6 -4 -5 -4 -5 6 -6. Plain numbers are blow notes, numbers with a minus sign are draw notes.
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