Beginner harmonica player.
Getting started playing the harmonica.
First you will need to choose a harmonica.
The most common type of harmonica available is the diatonic and also the chepest harmonica. The diatonic harmonic is tuned to a specific key, which cannot be changed. The most popular diatonic harmonica for a beginner is tuned to the key of C. There are many brands and models of the diatonic harmonica, so it really doesn't matter which brand or model you choose. Most however should choose a diatonic with a plastic comb because a wood comb will swell and sometimes not too easy on the lips.
Some people however never play a diatonic harmonic they just stick to the chromatic and others play both types of harmonica.
The chromatic harmonica is a type of harmonica that uses a mechanical apparatus to control which holes make noise.Chromatic harmonicas with 10 notes can only play one full key (the same as a diatonic harmonica), but chromatics with 12-16 holes can be tuned to any key. Chromatic harmonicas more expensive than most diatonic harmonicas.
Some common names for the harmonica are the blues harp, harp, mouth organ and the french harp.
You need to learn about your harmonica.
It is a reed instrument that uses brass reeds. The reeds are what split the air you push or pull through the holes to create tones. Harmonica reeds are mounted on a plate, called the reed plate which is also usually made of brass. The part of the harmonica that the reed plate is mounted to is called the comb, and is usually made of metal or plastic. The mouthpiece of the harp may be integrated into the comb, or in chromatic harmonicas, screwed on separately. The cover plates cover the rest and can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.
The chromatic harmonica sliding bar is also usually made of metal.
Depending on whether you inhale or exhale through your harmonica will determine the different notes that are produced by the reeds. A typical diatonic harp tuned to C on the exhale is tuned to G on the inhale.These scales complement each other nicely, each filling in the other without having to add extra holes.
The harmonica reeds inside are delicate and will wear out over time. Take care of your harmonica and it should produce a good tone for a long time.