Introducing the harmonica.
Welcome to my lens!
The Ten Hole Diatonic harmonica, also known as the blues harp or mouth organ is perhaps one of the easiest musical instruments to play.
You can usually pick up basic skills in just a few minutes, while advanced playing techniques can follow in just a few weeks of regular practice.
While the professionals have developed their craft over a lifetime, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from producing great sounding tunes.
Different styles, different age levels.
From 2 to 102, the harmonica is suitable for anyone to begin playing.You don't need to just play blues music (the style most commonly associated with the 10 hole diatonic harp).
Anything from jazz to country to hard rock to anything else you can think of lends itself to the harmonica.
Getting Started - what you'll need.
A few hints and tricks to get you up and running.
To begin playing the harmonica all you really need is an instrument and perhaps a beginners book and CD package to help you with the basics.This is how I began and set myself a target of five minutes per day to get the feel of the instrument.
You'll find that this will increase as you get to know your instrument and master some of the exercises in your lesson program.
Most lesson books are written to accompany a harmonica in the key of C (so make sure you buy one in this key).
When choosing an instrument it is better to avoid the cheapest harmonicas since they are actually harder to play.
You also have a choice of materials combined with metal (plastic or wood).
While wood offers a more mellow sound, most people prefer plastic since it is unaffected by moisture and has no sharp edges to cut your mouth).
A well made harmonica should have smooth metalwork without any jagged edges.It also should be comfortable to hold and easy to blow.
I personally like Lee Oskar harps and Honher is also a good brand. Suzuki also makes a nice harp.
Beginning harmonica.
Harmonica Lesson For Beginners
Harmonica Playing - way back when...
bending
Links
- Mark Spivey's music.
- Enjoy some Australian harmonica playing featured on some of the tracks from my instrumental albums.
- Create and record music
- My website all about recording and promoting your music.
Great Stuff on eBay
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Harmonica Stuff on Amazon
Bob Dylan - Vintage Harmonica Poster
Amazon Price: $8.75 (as of 10/11/2008)
Harmonica Blues, Painting by Bernie Elliott, Original
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Chantal Onyx Teakettle with Hohner Harmonica Whistle (1.8 Qts) Onyx (Black Metallic)
Amazon Price: $160.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
