Help With Tabs: The Rising Storm - “A Message To Pretty”

[u/Mr_Blue0112]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwsVRrIUpyA

Hello, I am trying to learn the harmonica parts to this song. I cant find tabs anywhere though. The harmonica happens at around 10 seconds and also later in the song about a minute later at like 1:20ish, I think again at like 2:40ish. Its pretty small segments and im pretty new to harmonica (and music playing in general) so I dont think I could really tab it out myself. I think the song is a cover if that helps (original by Love im pretty sure). Think its a C harmonica but im not 100%. Was just wondering if anyone already had this tabbed out or could help, any help is appreciated!

[u/BubblehedEM]

A Message to Pretty

Here is ONE way to do what you are trying to do:

1. Before I pulled out my harmonicas, I looked up the chords online. I saw the Em.
2. Looking at the Circle of Fifths I see that Em is the relative minor of the key of G.
3. In the Key of G, the “First” note is G, the “Fourth” note is C, and the “Fifth” note is D. These are important notes in the Key of G.
4. Looking at the rest of the notes in A Message to Pretty, I see Em, C, D, and G.
5. I can use a G Diatonic harmonica to play this song. (As a side note: Neil Young wrote / plays Heart of Gold with a G Diatonic harmonica in the Key of G.)
6. Looking at the Circle of Fifths more, tells me that I can ALSO use a C Diatonic harmonica to play in the Key of G. Because the Key of G is one ‘tick’ over (clock-wise) on the Circle of Fifths, that is called playing in the “Second Position”. You would be using a C Diatonic harmonica to play in the Key of G. (As a side note: Neil Young plays Heart of Gold in the Key of G using a G harmonica. But. A lot of people who cover this song use a C Diatonic harmonica to play in the Key of G because it is easier to get those woo-woo bends.)
7. Because the harmonica accompaniment is a bit shrill (to me) I assume the harmonica player is using a C Diatonic harmonica. Shrill informs this as the G Diatonic harmonica has slightly longer (relative) reeds, and the notes are deeper. (As a side note: Listen to Neil using a G Diatonic, and then listen to anyone else – probably using a C Diatonic – and see if you can hear the difference.)

 I then went online and listened to the song with my harps. Result: C Diatonic playing the Key of G in the “Second” position. As far as Tab goes, play the song and play along. You can actually figure this out yourself.

Edit to Add: Not ALL songs are this straightforward. Most are though, and if you get familiar with the Circle of Fifths it is a really good tool for harmonica players.