Anyone play the harmonica ?

[Underscore]

Just wondering. Its looks easy enough, but I was told to do blues style harmonica it is actually very difficult.

Also I understand they come in different keys, Im not sure which one to start on.

 

[jason]

I have a harmonica, and I've blown into maybe a few dozen times. I've even done so for an extended period of time while drunk, but I have absolutely no clue as to what I am doing. Occasionally it sounds like I did something "right", but I think that might be the nature of the harmonica.

 

[sondance]

I have a Hohner Marine Band (key of C) which comes in several keys. I've read it is a good one to start with and is used professionally, particularly by blues players. While I can pick out familiar tune on it easily, I am not a skilled player. So it’s best I play away from civilization. When you play like me it works very well for scaring away bears and coyotes.

My favorite blues harmonica player is the late Paul Butterfield and my favorite album of his is In My Own Dream. If you like blues I highly recommend it.

 

[Underscore]

Thanks a lot sondance. I will have a look at the model.

I will habe to listen to Paul Butterfield too. Someone told me Stevie Wonder is actually a damn good "harper" too, especially in that song he did with the Eurythmics.

 

[ApeXX]

Funny you mention this... About two weeks ago I was eating at a Cracker Barrell and I noticed they were selling some "authentic blue grass harmonicas". They were $5, so I said "What the hell!" and bought one. To my suprise, the harmonica has tablature similar to that of the guitar. I haven't really devoted any time into learning it though... Maybe this weekend while I'm getting a new guitar case I'll pick up a harmonica instruction book.

 

[Underscore]

wow $5 thats cheap !

People often say harmonicas are a cheap instrument. But to get the most of them, am I right in thinking you need a whole range covering all the keys ?

I mean if you stick to one harmonica you are severely limiting your range of songs right ?

 

[ApeXX]

From what I have read (and by looking at my harmonica), it includes 10 little holes to blow through. You can blow or suck air through any of the holes, and the note changes each time. Not to mention the fact that you can "bend" notes (haven't been able to master this yet), I would have to assume that the harmonica I bought could play a wide range of songs.

Although I'm looking on Ebay right now, and it appears that there are some harmonicas with 12 holes... For increased range I would guess.