Which harp to use

In other analyses of popular music keys albeit usually with much smaller datasets C major has been shown to be the most widely used key by a significant margin.

G major has usually been a distant second — often around half as frequently used as C major. It has been posited by various commentators that C and G are both keys that are relatively easy to play on guitar and piano — historically the most popular instruments with which to compose music. So, what does this tell us about the keys of harmonicas we should initially purchase?

The next key should probably be A major, which, although only fourth in the chart above, is useful for a number of reasons. Close your right ear with your right index finger, your harmonica will be easier to hear. Now, does it sound right? If so, then you have a blues in E, and you can prepare mentally for your solo.

If the harmonica does not sound right, then play the two hole draw on a D harmonica. Then you probably have a blues in A. If not successful, then try with a C, then an F, then a G, then a Bb harmonica. The actual key will almost certainly be one of these. You will soon learn to do this quickly. Practice finding the key with this blues track, using the method above. The track is in either E, A, G, or C. Never mind mistakes you make, that is what practice is for. Keep at it until you can find the key reliably.

Now try the same again, this time with a country track. Here the key will be either G, C, D or A. The trial and error method described above for finding harmonica keys will work, a small amount of practice will make you proficient.

Hohner makes a fine Big River model that is less expensive than the Marine Band, and the Hohner Blues Harp, Golden Melody, and Special 20 harmonicas also have devoted users who swear by the tonal differences they hear in their model of choice there also are Hohner Bob Dylan signature models.

I carry a variety of them, but my favorite harps are made by Lee Oskar. Like some Hohners, they have a plastic body, called a comb, that is impervious to insidious moisture problems.

Their large holes make them easy to blow, they sound great right out of the box with no break-in period, they keep their exceptional tone for years, and they have unique replaceable reed plates. You might need to bend the wire to get a good fit. The ingenious layout of diatonic harps offers some distinct advantages as well as some challenges. Try blowing in various spots on the harmonica as you strum a C chord on your guitar.

Start with four-to-the-bar downstrokes on the guitar to ease the feeling of multitasking. To get a sharp attack on the harmonica, move your tongue as if you were saying t. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

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