Types of Harmonica

There are basically three types of harmonica, thoughtogether, these reeds produce a unique tremolo
a few more have come into existence with eveneffect.
more modified features.the right selection of the3. Chromatic Harmonicas: The chromatic harmonica
desired harmonica should be based on the style ofhas been created to compensate for the missing
music one wants to play and the kind of effects henotes on the diatonic harmonica. You will be able to
wants to put in. There are 3 basic types: the diatonicplay both the tones and semi-tones of a chromatic
harmonica, the tremolo harmonica and the chromaticscale (a chromatic scale is when both white notes
harmonica.and black notes are played in succession; C, Db, D,
1. Diatonic Harmonicas This was the first type ofEb, E etc) helped by a slide button.
harmonica to be created. Although they are mostA few other types of harmonicas are-
commonly used to play blues and country, one will beOCTAVE TUNED-
able to play all kinds of popular music with a diatonicOctave harmonicas are similar to Tremolo models in
harmonica.reed layout and musical range. Instead of having
A diatonic harmonica has 10 holes and permits thereeds tuned to the same note, however, each
player to use the tones and semi-tones equivalent todouble hole has one reed tuned an octave apart
the white notes on a piano (using the scale of Cfrom the other.
major as an example) However, it is possible to playSPECIAL TUNED DIATONICS- This is used for
other notes by using bending and over blowenjoying the advantage of additional notes and scales
techniques.which are not present in chromatic harmonica.
2. Tremolo Harmonicas: This type of harmonica isCHORD AND BRASS HARMONICA- These are two
ideal for playing very traditional music because onemore types of harmonica which are basically used for
may easily create a wonderful 'tremolo' effect. It isensemble performances.
very popular with Gospel and old world; Folk,There are thousands of different models present in
Country, Scottish and Irish music.the market,be it a diatonic or a chromatic
Tremolo harmonicas are constructed with doubleharmonica,and different models of different other
holes placed vertically. Each contains two reeds, onetypes of harmonica.harmonicas can be made up of
slightly de-tuned to the other. When vibratingmetal or plastic.