Harmonica's - Any Ideas for a Beginner?

Question

Hey guys.

im looking to buy my first harmonica - im a total beginner. Just wondering what i need to look for? I see they are available in different keys, A C D etc....but not a clue which one to go for or a "round about" price for someone like me?

any makes or prices or advice would be appretiated

thanks

Answer 1

There are lots of harmonicas, and you'll find three major types. The first is the chinese kind which you can get quite cheap and it has lots of holes, but this is probably not the harp (harmonica) you want.

The second kind is the chromatic, where you can play any key (this is the kind Stevie Wonder usually plays), but it's much more complex.

The traditional harmonica is the diatonic. It has 10 holes and is tuned to a specific key. People who play harp usually have a variety of keys. If you're just starting out, it really doesn't matter what key you get, though lower would probably be better. An 'A', 'D', 'G', or 'C' are good starting keys. If you play with a band, the harp key is up by IV, so a band playing in F would match a harmonica playing in C, but don't worry about that for now.

For harps, some kinds you can try are Marine Band, Special 20, sometimes Blues Harp. I personally like the Hohner Pro Harp. Prices range $18 to $40.

A harmonica has the first 7 notes (reeds) give a lower tone when you suck in, a higher when you blow out. On the top three reeds it's reversed, so it's trickier to play up there.

To sound like a blues player, you want to first be able to isolate a single note sucking in, then try to "bend" it by sucking down and around; there's no good way to describe this, but you suck in, and with your mouth try to bring the air down, and you get a "bent" note - basically you pull the reed off of its intended note, and that gives you the blues bend.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all, I highly recommend purchasing a harmonica in the key of C to start off. That's the universal begininner's key- all the white notes on the piano. However, if you're going to be playing blues with other instruments, you may want b flat...Secondly, you may think this is dumb, but I started off with the Klutz "Country & Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless", and it came with an audio tape and some good lessons. It's available in used copies off amazon.com.

Answer 3

I suggest that you start out with a 10 holer. Probably the key of C is the most common, and a cheap one will do just fine.Cover the notes that you don't want to play, but are coverd by your mouth, with your tongue. Pat the holes with your tongue when you blow. Lift your tongue when you draw in to make notes. Don't blow too hard. Find a book to help you if you can. You should be able to find one in the library. It is helpful if you know someone who can give you some pointers. It is said that if you can whistle, you can learn to play a harmonica. Record your playing so you can hear how you are doing. Good luck , and don't give up! I didn't.

Answer 4

Look on EBay they have a good range,start with a beginners also buy book for beginners but go to a room that`s well away from Harmonica haters.