Have a play around with the harmonica to see if you can point out what notes and chords you can hear. There are two types of harmonica: a chromatic and a diatonic harmonica.
Both types are used in a wide range of genres of music but typically stick to ones that they are most suited to. This section will discuss which harmonica you should use for each genre and the differences between them. The chromatic harmonica has all 12 octaves available to be played.
It uses a sliding button to redirect the air to be able to play more notes. This type of harmonica allows you to play all the keys rather than just one but it is arguably harder to master. Chromatic harmonicas are typically used more in classical and jazz music. The harmonica is able to bend notes on both draw and blow which is perfect for these genres. The diatonic harmonica is set to one key. This means it is the equivalent to playing a piano with just the white keys. This may be more restricting but the diatonic harmonica is much easier to play.
This slightly mystifying word refers to the small valves that are used on most chromatic harps to make them more efficient. Due to their construction, chromatics tend to experience more leaks than diatonics; windsavers limit this leakage, and also help to shape the tone of the instrument. They, also, make bending notes more difficult, which has led to some players experimenting with their removal, and the creation of slideless harps that do away with their valves altogether.
You might be wondering why chromatics are sometimes available in a range of keys. The answer relates to range — a chromatic harmonica tuned to A, for example, will have a lower range at the expense of the higher notes than one tuned to C. The order of keys, from lowest to highest is as follows:. Chromatics with 16 holes are generally only available in C, due to the fact that there is little need to offer alternative keys with the range available from this size of harmonica.
In terms of tuning, most chromatics are solo tuned. Of the alternative tunings available, the most common is Orchestra, as shown below in this diagram from Seydel:. Saxony Harmonica — orchestra Vs solo tuning Source: Seydel. Because chromatics are more complicated than diatonics, they have a commensurately higher price.
The next step up is the Chromonica 48 , which is noticeably weightier and deeper in tone than its less expensive brethren. At the same price point is the Seydel Deluxe Chromatic , which is similar in design and construction to the Hohner, but features an acrylic, rather than wood, comb. All are great harps and will give years of service if properly cared for. As the price increases, we start to see more exotic materials, and in some cases, such as with the Hohner ACE 48 , unique features such as the VarioSpring and Accoustic Coupling Elements.
The Seydel Symphony even comes with a heated case that enables the harp to gently heated to the perfect temperature for playing prior to any performance. So, there you have it — the chromatic harmonica. Hohner Crossover Bamboo Comb. Hohner Special 20 "Great 1st Harmonica". Suzuki Manji Diatonic Harmonicas - Set of 3. Suzuki Hole Chromatic Harmonica. All Rights Reserved. Diatonic - The standard hole major diatonic harmonicas come in all 12 keys of music and allow you to play a complete 7-note major scale of the key of the harmonica.
Many additional notes from outside the major scale can be acquired by "bending" certain draw inhale and blow exhale notes. Most professionals are predominantly diatonic players. Diatonic harmonicas are typically used in blues, rock, country, and folk, but can also be found in nearly all styles of music. They are sometimes referred to as a "blues harp", "harp", "short harp", or "standard hole". In terms of price and overall quality, we like the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic and the Hohner Special 20 , in the key of "C", best for players just starting out.
The Lee Oskar harmonicas also feature the 1st Position and 2nd Position keys printed on the ends of each diatonic for easy reference. Chromatic - The chromatic harmonica has a button on the side, which when NOT used, allows you to play a normal major scale in the key of the chromatic. With the button depressed, you have all the missing half-step notes in-between the major scale notes.
This allows you to play in any key and any type of scale. The chromatic is typically used in jazz and classical music, but is found in all styles of music. Bending doesn't work nearly as well on the chromatic as it does on the diatonic harmonica and when used, is used more for a "bending effect". In most cases, you will be doing good to bend a note a half-step down.
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