• wlbaye
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  • From: Black Hills So Dak
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
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Topic: Harmonica

Just thought I would give a progress report on how the harmonica's going. I have been messing with it for a couple years. About 2 months ago I purchased a harmonica holder and that is what opened the door and got me hooked on learning. It is so much easier to learn while playing guitar for me anyway.

I have been experimenting with different brands and models and I have moved up from the inexpensive models that come with instruction books to the Hohner Hot Metal series, and tryed a Suzuki Folk Model I didn't like this one , I also have a couple Hohner Blues Harps.
After doing a lot of surfing the net It seems the Hohner Special 20's are alot of folks favorites, so I tried one and it will be the one I will be using until something better comes along. The Blues Harp sounds nice also but it has wooden combs and the Special 20's have plastic combs. THey both sound good but I prefer the way the 20's feel in my mouth. Both the Special 20's and Blues Harps are around $ 30-$ 40 dollars.

My wife said the Blues and Special 20's sound so nice in comparison and I can hear the difference too.
Been having alot of fun with it anyway smile

Later, Wayne P

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Harmonica

Way to go.  It's always fun to crest the steepest part of the learning curve and are able to start playing while you learn instead of just learning.  I'm very happy for you. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2007-07-09
  • Posts: 381

Re: Harmonica

I've always loved the sound of a good harmonica and now that i've read this i feel the urge to give it a try. Which key is the best for learning blues and bluegrass harp tunes or does it matter? My uncles brother in law plays really well and i think he mostly plays in the key of C and E for blues. Do they make universal harmonicas for all keys? Sorry for all the questions but i'm trying to find out which one would fit my style the best before i go shopping.

  • wlbaye
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  • From: Black Hills So Dak
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Re: Harmonica

I play alot in the key of G and A  so those are the first ones I bought when I stepped up to the better harps. I now have good ones in G A C D . It just depends on what key you like to play and sing in. I also play alot of songs in Bb so I will have to get one in time.
You can crossharp and use one diatonic harmonica for 2 keys, I haven't got into that much I just get a harmonica for the key I'm playing in. I remind myself of watching people learn the fiddle it is pretty ugly to start with. The better harmonica's in my opinion anyway allow you to tone it down a little and sound better with less effort.

Most instruction books use the key of C so that would be a good one to begin with.

  When playing guitar it is hard to do a guitar solo and keep the rhythym going. When playing with harmonica, just keep playing the guitar and do the solo with harmonica. It is Fun smile

Later, Wayne P

wlbaye's Website

5 Reply by Zurf (edited by Zurf 2009-09-25 15:13:28)

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Harmonica

Most folks learn to play in C, but I find G easier to play in for some reason.  Getting a single note is the harmonica equivalent to barre chords.  It's the first big hurdle to get over.  Doing a good sounding draw on hole 2 is the harmonica equivalent to the evil B chord.  It takes everyone a long, long time to get it, it's fairly essential to playing rock and blues, and you can usually cheat. 

One thing to remember is that if you want volume with the harmonica, use a microphone.  Blowing or sucking harder on the instrument will just distort the sound.  Some people use that for technique, but it's not going to help a lot with extra volume. 

My two cents, for what it's worth (and it isn't worth two cents). 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude