The Waifs - When I Die
This song is from a popular Australian band. There's a lot of good harmonica licks to learn in this one using a G harmonica.
Also Watch On: 
When I Die by The Waifs - Lesson on Guitar and Harmonica
Lesson Info
Difficulty: The guitar chords are easy but they go by at a quick clip; the harmonica goes by at that same clip with cool tricky runs in abundance.
Lesson Length: 12:56
Instructor: George Goodman
Help File
Help File: The following link supplies the chords and lyrics for When I Die.
When I Die download pdf link - for educational purposes only.
Gear Used
Takamine EG541SC
I am playing my black tak in this one.
This is a Takamine G Series EG541SC.
Specs:
Top - Solid Spruce
Back - Nato
Sides - Nato
Finger Board - Rosewood
Electronics - TK40
Finish - Gloss Black
Check out more Takamine G Series Guitars
I am playing When I Die in first position, key of G.
I am playing a Hohner Special 20 in this one.
On Sale Here
Musical Challenges
For Harmonica - Single Note Scale Riffs: There are arpeggios and scale runs and syncopation. Get familiar with the major scale.Harmonica Essentials and Harmonica Cheat Sheets are the places to get the background you need.
Guitar - simple chords and strumming is covered in Guitar Essentials. Rhythm Guitar and Strumming will help smooth out your strumming and put the downstrokes and upstrokes in the right place.
Video Timeline
0:22 - Introduction
Hey! George here. Here's a song for my buddies down in Australia. It's The Waifs 'When I Die'.
A student of mine was learning this on ukelele and wanted to add harmonica so I worked it out for him and I'll go through the pieces with you on both the guitar and a G harmonica.
1:03 - Uptempo Key of G with a Swing Feel
When I Die is in the key of G and uses three chords - G D C : I V IV
Verse and Chorus Progression
G D | C G
C G | D
G D | C G
C D | G
Intro Chord Progression
C G | D G
C D | G
5:14 - Song Intro Harmonica Solo
7:00 - Chorus on Guitar and Harmonica
9:11 - Harmonica Solo
11:27 - Play Through a Verse on Harmonica and Guitar
There's lots of great harmonica runs in the solos.
Things To Note
This was recorded in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia in April 2016.
Let me know, how it goes, leave a message below.
Peace. Stay in tune my friend.
George
5 Pack Case of Hohner Special 20s
What do I like about the Special 20s?
Great Sound, Smooth Comb, Responsive to Bending - but not loose, Affordable. I play Special 20s more than any other model.
Hohner Harmonica Holder
The Hohner Harmonica Neck Holder fits harmonicas up to 7-1/2" long, has a nickel plated finish and fits any neck shape.
I have used a similar holder for over 25 years. This no-nonsense holder will work for you.
Martin Acoustic Guitar Strings
If it's been a while since you've changed your strings, you won't believe the difference in the sound. These are some excellent Martin strings. Need I say more? Totally affordable.
6 responses to “The Waifs – When I Die – G Harmonica”
Leave a Reply
More Song Lessons
Let's Be Friends
HarpNGuitar's social media channels are rolling out new content and important announcements. Join the conversation so you don’t miss a thing!
Follow the Official HarpNGuitar pages here.
Hi George; Great lesson. I especially like the score written at the bottom of the page. Puts everything in context. Peace – Norm
G’Day Mate, ” love your work”, so clear and concise for us beginners.
Vicky Thorn has some amazing harp songs , but man you rock. Thanks heaps from the Aussies down under !!!
Well, I confess I’ve not heard of the Waifs before, but this is great. Nice to have the music on a score rather than just a set of numbers.
I’ve been listening to them on U -tube and they’re excellent. Nice to have a female harp player for a change too.
Keep up the good work.
I hadn’t heard of them until my student wanted to work on this. I’ve watched lots of yt stuff on them since. Great sound
Cheers Neale
Thank you and peace to you Norm