There are three main types of harmonic diatonic, chromatic and tremolo.
The simplest and most common is the diatonic. In Webser’s New World Dictionary diatonic is defined as “Music designating or of a scale of eight tones…” and chromatic is define as “Music progressing by semitones.” or in other words half steps.
For simplicity what this means is the chromatic harmonica has a slide that allows you to play in half steps which is like using all the white keys (Major scale Key of C) and black keys (half steps) on a piano and a diatonic harmonica in the key of C is like just using the white piano keys.
The tremolo harmonica has 2 reeds per note each tuned slightly differently causing a tremolo effect to the sound. While these produce an interesting sound they are not very commonly used in popular music and are more commonly used in music in parts of Europe and eastern and far eastern countries.
Diatonic harmonicas are made in different keys to match the key of the songs being played. While there have been some popular artists that have used chromatic harmonicas, for example Stevie Wonder, the most commonly used is the basic 10 hole diatonic harmonica.
- Harmonica for beginners tip: A good 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is a good place to get started.
There are many different manufacturers and models. As with most things you get what you pay for. Some of the cheaper harmonicas not only do not last very long but in my early experience were hard to play and uncomfortable even at times dangerous with sharp edges small pieces that could come loose. So remember “buyer be ware”
There are several very good quality manufacturers like Hohner, Susuki and Lee Oskar (named for the designer formerly the lead harmonica player from the band WAR). Hohner created their Blues Harp harmonica to make “note bending” easier. While these became very popular many players stayed with the Marine Band harmonica. They are both good quality and affordable. Both of these had wooden combs. The comb separates the holes on the harmonica. Newer styles of harmonicas like the Hohner Special 20 or Golden Melody and the Lee Oskar harmonicas have plastic combs to keep them from wearing out and warping due to moisture and it also makes them easier to clean.
Because of the plastic comb and the fact that the Hohner Special 20 is good to learn note bending it is a great choice for a beginner harmonica especially if you want to learn to play blues, rock or country harmonica.
Life is meant to be lived -Enjoy it!
Wayne
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