BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Choose a Harmonica

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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There's a wide variety of harmonicas to choose from, so how to decide which one is best for you? This is largely a matter of personal preference, but a few tips may help you make a more educated decision.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Which Harmonica Is the Best?

Step1

Go to a music store that offers more than just one brand of harmonica to get a good selection.

Step2

Look for harmonica models that come in more than just one or two keys - commonly C and G for diatonic harmonicas.

Step3

Expect a price range between $25 and $40 for a decent diatonic harmonica. As a rule of thumb, you won't get a good harmonica for $5, but you don't have to pay more than $50, either.

Step4

Consider the most popular models among pros, such as (in no particular order) the Hohner Marine Band, Hohner Blues Harp, Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Hering Blues, Hohner Golden Melody and Hohner Big River.

Should You Get a Wood, Metal or Plastic Comb?

Step1

Start with a plastic comb harmonica. Wood combs tend to swell up and to be less airtight and rougher on the lips than plastic or metal combs.

Step2

Consider the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Hohner Big River, Hohner Special 20 and Hering Blues (again, in no particular order).

Step3

Try different combs and/or different models for different keys and different types of music. That way, you'll find out which ones suit you best.

Which Keys Should You Get?

Step1

Choose the key depending on what kind of music you're going to play.

Step2

Get harmonicas in the keys of C, A, D and G first - the keys for cross-harp playing with guitarists who like the keys of G, E, A and D.

Step3

Get harmonicas later in the keys of F and Bb.

Step4

Obtain, finally, the keys of E, B, Eb, Ab and Gb/F-sharp.

Step5

Have all 12 keys eventually so you can play with any song regardless of key.

Comments

HOMMYCH said

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on 9/29/2007 nice...

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 For ease of playability, choose the Suzuki Pro-master harmonicas. The Suzuki's are easier to play because of how the reed plates are affixed to the comb. The Marine Band harmonicas have three screws holding the reed plates to the comb. While the Lee Oskar's improve on this with five screws, the Suzuki's are the most airtight because the reed plates are held tight by seven screws. This superior attention to detail results in a superior instrument.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Lee Oscar has the Melody Maker Harp which is designed and labeled for the cross harp key. I've found this ideal for jazz numbers (e.g. Georgia, Sunny, Darktown Strutters Ball, Autumn Leaves). There are a few notes you'll need to bend for, and lots that you can bend for the FEEL. This adds up to a great cross harp blues sound.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 While Appollo's comment makes sense from a musical point of view, he fails to recognize the tonal and technique differences between the chromatic and diatonic harmonicas. Classical or Jazz players will generaly favor the chromatics because all the notes (e.g. every key on the piano) are readily available. But the harmonica is more frequently found in the blues/country/rock/folk genres. In these styles, the diatonic has gained preference because of the soulful tones one can produce. Many "blue" notes are available by bending, which generates the deep wailing sounds that make the diatonic so popular. Plus, let's not forget that one diatonic can be played in three keys fairly simply, and all 12 with some serious skill. The chromatic can also be used well with blues; however, for you beginners, buy a C diatonic, and start from there.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you're going to be playing in several keys or in songs that modulate (shift in key), it might be wise to consider a chromatic harmonica, which eliminates the need to purchase twelve harps (harmonicas). Chromatic harmonicas are slightly more expensive.