How to Get Started on the Diatonic Harmonica

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The diatonic, 10-hole harmonica, despite its unassuming appearance, can be used for music ranging from simple folk tunes to modern jazz. Here are a few tips to get you started on this amazing instrument.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Basic Technique

Step1
Breathe into the harmonica gently but firmly; do not blow or suck.
Step2
Breathe deeply, from your diaphragm, not from your lungs.
Step3
Make your breathing controlled and natural.
Step4
Keep your lips moist to facilitate sliding.
Step5
Relax your mouth.
Step6
Pucker your lips as if you are giving your mom a kiss on her cheek.
Step7
In this position, slide your lips over the top and bottom plates of the harmonica.
Step8
Tilt the harmonica about 45 degrees upwards, so that the comb rests comfortably on your lower lip. This will give you a fuller tone.
Step9
Blow, then draw on hole 3. Play a single note on one hole - not including notes on either side of the hole.
Step10
Play that note without a hiss.
Step11
Practice getting a clear, single note out of your harp on each of the ten holes of your harmonica.

Your First Song

Step1
After you have mastered single-note playing, practice your skills on a song you probably know, no matter what key your harmonica is in. Here it is (numbers correspond to numbered holes on the harmonica; 4 = blow, 4d = draw):
Step2
4 4d 5 6 6d 6 5 4 4d 5 4d 4 4d
Step3
Well I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Step4
4 4d 5 6 6d 6 5 4 4d 5 4 4d 4
Step5
And I'm going to Louisiana oh my true love for to see
Step6
5d 6d 6d 6 6 5 4 4d
Step7
Oh Susannah, oh don't you cry for me
Step8
4 4d 5 6 6d 6 5 4 4d 5 4 4d 4
Step9
For I'm bound for Louisiana oh my true love for to see.

Tongue and Hand Techniques and Sound Effects

Step1
See what you can do with your tongue to create rhythm now that you know how to play a melody.
Step2
Make a single note on the 3-hole blow.
Step3
Flick your tongue against the comb several times while blowing, as if singing ta-ta-ta.
Step4
Use your tongue and make rhythms like taaa-ta (long-short) or taa-taa-ta (long-long-short).
Step5
Experiment creating different rhythms.
Step6
Use your hands as tools for changing the sound. When the hands are closed around the harmonica, the tone is muted; when opened, the tone gets sharper and louder.
Step7
Hold the instrument in your left hand and use the right hand for effects.
Step8
Close both hands around the harmonica.
Step9
Blow or draw on any hole.
Step10
Open the left hand; the harmonica goes "waaaah."
Step11
Open and close your right hand around the harmonica several times.
Step12
Flutter one hand against the other with a clapping motion; this creates the warbling effect.
Step13
Try this on holes 4 and 5 to get the train-whistle effect.
Step14
Use your hands to color the tone. Make your harmonica talk!

Tips & Warnings

  • Regardless of what other players might tell you, don't soak your harmonica in beer, water or any other liquid; it usually does more harm than good.

Comments

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monaamos said

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on 12/6/2007 I purchased hamonicas for myself and two grandchildren but I felt bad because I could not play anything. I am going to try this song and if it works, I will play it on Christmas Eve for my grandchildren unless you can teach me a Christmas carol, especially "Silent Night" Thank you so much, Faye

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eHow Article:  How to Get Started on the Diatonic Harmonica

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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