| The harmonica, also known as the French harp, is a | | | | is played in a key that is actually seven half-steps up |
| small wind instrument held in hand while playing. It can | | | | from the harmonica's main key. For example, if the |
| be played by inhaling and exhaling through several air | | | | harmonica were tuned in C, it would actually be |
| slots. Kids love playing these because they're easy to | | | | played in G. |
| learn and provide fun entertainment and lively music. | | | | A diatonic major harp is the most common type of |
| Also, harmonicas are small so they can easily be | | | | harmonica. It has all the "Major Scale" notes such as |
| carried in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Many adults | | | | C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The chromatic harmonica has the |
| love them for these same reasons! | | | | same notes as the diatonic major harp, but with a |
| The most common key on the harmonica is C. | | | | half-step between each major note. |
| Harmonicas that are played in the Appalachian South | | | | Common brand names of harmonicas include Hohner, |
| only play a diatonic scale, but not chromatic intervals | | | | Hering, Suzuki, Bushman, Lee Oskar, and BTI. |
| that are between diatonic scale tones. Therefore, | | | | Tremolo and octave harmonicas are offered by |
| these harmonicas are typically sold in various models | | | | Hohner. Different styles of orchestral harmonicas are |
| based on keys. For instance, there are G-harmonicas, | | | | also available for those who perform with orchestras. |
| D-harmonicas, C-harmonicas, and so forth. | | | | Find Harmonicas and Accessories Online |
| Harmonica Construction and Sound | | | | There are many harmonica resources online today |
| In the past, harmonicas were usually made of wood. | | | | that sell harmonicas and accessories. There is free |
| Today, many harmonicas are constructed from | | | | tablature (with tabs and symbols) to help beginners |
| injection-molded plastic. There are also high-end | | | | and experienced harmonica players learn new songs. |
| harmonicas that are built from metal alloys, silver, or | | | | Accessories such as amplifiers, cases, sheet music, |
| Lucite. The harmonica's sound is often based on the | | | | microphones, CDs, and more are available online at |
| materials it is made of, with each material giving its | | | | reasonable prices. Beginners can research online to |
| own unique sound. For example, blues harps or | | | | find out how to care for their harmonica. From tuning |
| marine band harps are made of soft wood that | | | | to cleaning, there are a few definite "dos and don'ts" |
| resists moisture and create a rich, unique sound. | | | | to follow. |
| Types of Harmonicas | | | | The beautiful music that flows from the harmonica |
| Harmonicas come in many different types and styles. | | | | can never be matched. Harmonicas are so diverse |
| These are often chosen by players according to the | | | | that they can be played alone while sitting on a porch |
| type of music they would like to play. Some | | | | swing, at a family gathering for singing and fun, or in |
| harmonica players enjoy performing at events as | | | | a professional concert. They can be played around |
| soloists or with a group or band. The cross harp is | | | | the world no matter what the country. These |
| often used in blues music, but can also be used in | | | | hand-held instruments bring joy to any setting! |
| many types of music. It is a diatonic harmonica that | | | | |