How to Get Started on the Chromatic Harmonica

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The chromatic harmonica can be used for any type of music. The main advantages that the chromatic harmonica have over the diatonic harmonic are its capability of producing extra notes by means of a slide button on its side and the fact that it offers 12 holes instead of 10. Consult "Play the Harmonica," under Related eHows, before starting on the chromatic harmonica.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Getting the Single Tone

Step1
Hold the harmonica firmly in your left hand with the first hole (the lowest note) on your left side.
Step2
Place your left index finger on the upper part of the instrument and your thumb along the bottom.
Step3
Cup your right hand around the back of the harmonica.
Step4
Position your right index finger on the slide button.
Step5
Pucker your lips as if you were about to kiss grandma on her cheek.
Step6
Close your lips over hole No. 4 of the harmonica, making sure that no other notes are sounded (lip blocking).
Step7
Repeat lip blocking for all 12 holes of the harmonica.
Step8
Practice lip blocking both blowing and drawing.
Step9
Or use this technique: Put the harmonica into your mouth as if to blow four holes (holes Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5).
Step10
Bring your tongue forward covering all holes (tongue blocking).
Step11
Move your tongue to the left just enough to allow air into only one hole (hole No. 5).
Step12
Prevent air from escaping through the sides of your mouth.
Step13
Breathe deeply through the harmonica; do not suck!
Step14
Practice tongue blocking on different holes of the harmonica.

Adding Vibrato

Step1
Hold the harmonica in your left hand and close the right hand over the left.
Step2
Open and close the right hand over the left. A wavering tone will begin.
Step3
Make the right hand move back and forth smoothly. A rich and mellow vibrato will result.

Playing the Chromatic Scale

Step1
Blow on hole 5 (b5) - slide out, which is the note --> C. Count 1-2-3-4 holding each note (4/4 rhythm).
Step2
Now, move up the chromatic (12 half-tone) scale step-by-step:
Step3
b5 -- slide in --> C#(Db)
Step4
Draw on hole 5 (d5) -- slide out --> D
Step5
d5 -- slide in --> D#(Eb)
Step6
b6 -- slide out --> E
Step7
b6 -- slide in --> E#(F)
Step8
d6 -- slide out --> F
Step9
d6 -- slide in --> F#(Gb)
Step10
b7 -- slide out --> G
Step11
b7 -- slide in --> G#(Ab)
Step12
d7 -- slide out --> A
Step13
d7 -- slide in --> A#(Bb)
Step14
d8 -- slide out --> B
Step15
d8 -- slide in --> B#(C)
Step16
b8 -- slide out --> C
Step17
Practice this scale upwards ands downwards in 4/4 rhythm.
Step18
Make sure the single notes come out clearly!

Tips & Warnings

  • Being able to produce a clear, single note is a prerequisite for doing anything on the chromatic harmonica, much more so than on the diatonic harmonica. Make sure you get those notes both in slide-in and slide-out position, blowing and drawing.
  • You need to be able to control and separate the tones on each musical piece you play. You can create a quick note separation (called articulation) by physically "biting" the harmonica with your upper lip while playing.

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on 3/4/2007 Clear, concise and easy to understand

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eHow Article:  How to Get Started on the Chromatic Harmonica

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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