Diatonic Harmonica
The diatonic harmonica is the most popular harmonica we sell at Harmonicas and Stuff. The diatonic harmonica and 10 holes and any type of music can be played with one. Some of the most popular diatonic keys are the C, A, D, G, Bb and the key of F. Buy a complete set including the sharps and flats and make music anytime.
The diatonic harmonica is a richter-tuned harmonica, or 10-hole harmonica also know as a blues harp and the diatonic is the most widely known type of harmonica. The diatonic harmonica has ten holes which offer the player 19 notes (10 holes times a draw and a blow for each hole minus one repeated note) in a three octave range.
A diatonic harmonica is designed to allow a player to play chords and melody in a single key. Because they are only designed to be played in a single key at a time, diatonic harmonicas are available in all keys. Harps labeled G through B start (on hole 1 blow) below Middle C, while Harps labeled D through F start above middle C.
Although there are 3 octaves between 1 and 10 "blow", there is only one full major scale available on the harmonica, between holes 4 and 7. The lower holes are designed around the tonic (C major) and dominant (G major) chords, allowing a player to play these chords underneath a melody by blocking or unblocking the lower holes with the tongue. The most important notes (the tonic triad C–E–G) are given the blow, and the secondary notes (B-D-F–A), the draw.
Playing the harmonica in the key to which it is tuned is known as "straight harp" or "first position" playing. For example, playing music in the key of C on a C-tuned harmonica.
Choose from one of our many diatonic harmonicas, such as a Seydel Session steel harmonica, a Lee Oskar Major diatonic harmonica, Suzuki SUB30 harmonica or a Hohner Marine Band Crossover harmonica.