User blog comment:Plexioth- xD/Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate/@comment-3095304-20130222224810/@comment-4933023-20130223002927

I used to be terrible at Hunting Horn, just because I was afraid to get in the fight with it. But, keep in mind (at least in 3U) every swing can potentially hurt the monster, even the one to play your instrument, so don't be afraid to play it as an attack also.

Another thing is try to get yourself into a good position to preform the songs as a combo. Once you have all the notes, play it right next to the monster (if the timing is okay, that is) and get the buff. Move on to the next buff and repeat.

To get blue you have to do X+A at the same time.

Here's the songs I use constantly during the demo fights:

White-green-white: health recovery (small or extra small)

White-white: self-improvement

White-green-blue: negate stamina (small)

White-blue-blue: defense up (small)

This one is a good one to keep in mind if Hunting Horn is gonna be your first weapon choice:

green-blue-white-blue: health recovery (small) + antidote