Harmonicas

November 6, 2004 10:17 AM

Harmonicas. What do I need to know about buying a harmonica? Would a chromatic harmonica be too difficult for a beginner, or am I going to have to buy a few diatonic harmonicas? I want to use it to just jam around in the style of alt-country and the like.

I should add that I'll be using the harmonica to accompany myself playing guitar.

posted by bitpart to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

I'm not sure how you'd play a chromatic harmonica while playing guitar. you need a free hand to work the little chromatic shift, don't you?
posted by jpoulos at 11:29 AM on November 6, 2004

Best answer: Get a Hohner "marine band." If you want to play straight melody, get it in the key you play guitar in. If you want to plays "bluesy" you'll have to play "cross key" to the key you are using on guitar. Most everybody starts with the Marine band.
posted by zaelic at 2:17 PM on November 6, 2004

Yeah, don't get the chromatic. First of all, they're too big, second of all you can't get one of those Bob Dylan harmonica holders for it.

Hohner is the brand to get. Also try the Hohner Special 20, it's a thing of beauty.
posted by jeremias at 3:56 AM on November 7, 2004