Harmonica

About the harmonica...

Definition of harmonica and some history

A harmonica is an instrument included in the wind family that uses a type of free reed, usually made of metal, to generate sound. Depending on the region, it is also known as a French harp, rondine, or mouth organ. It stands out for its great adaptability and musical versatility, being present in a multitude of different musical styles.

Although the harmonica is an instrument inspired by the Sheng (a Chinese instrument invented in 3000 BC), it is attributed an German origin. Specifically, in 1821, by a 16-year-old German watchmaker named Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann.

Advantages of playing the harmonica

There are certain advantages that can motivate us to get started in the wonderful world of the harmonica:

• Harmonicas are instruments that require a medium level of difficulty; they are not as simple as a triangle, nor do they require the dedication that a piano or violin demands to master. Thus, it is an instrument with which to progress and stay motivated day by day without falling into despair due to technical difficulty or boredom.
• The lightness and transportability of harmonicas are truly enviable. It is one of the smallest instruments that can be found in the musical world. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is often associated with "that traveling and bohemian musician or that aimless cowboy who doesn't look for trouble"... LOL
• Adaptability and melody: This instrument is capable of wonderfully accompanying other instruments, as well as performing melodies of well-known musical works with considerable accuracy.

Types of harmonicas

Among the most well-known harmonicas, such as diatonic harmonicas or chromatic harmonicas, and the more specific ones, such as tremolo harmonicas, octave harmonicas, orchestral harmonicas, ChengGong harmonicas... a wide group of types of harmonicas can be formed. For our classification, we will focus on the two most common types of harmonicas today:

But first...how can we quickly differentiate them?

1. One of the main characteristic differences between diatonic and chromatic harmonicas is that, unlike the diatonic, the chromatic does allow playing a melody in any key without using the bending technique.
2. They also differ in the number of cells and reeds, which determines the melodic possibilities and musical styles for which each is used.
3. Visually, the button on the right side (used for key alterations) also indicates that it is a chromatic harmonica.

• Diatonic harmonica

Diatonic harmonicas or blues harmonicas consist of 10 cells and two reeds, for blown and drawn notes. Being diatonic, this type of harmonica is tuned to the same scale and in a single key at the same time. Among diatonic harmonicas, the aforementioned blues harmonicas or 10-hole harmonicas (very common) and tremolo harmonicas stand out.

These types of harmonicas are definitely easier to play than chromatics, as they do not have key alterations; however, they will also be more limited in musical terms.

The main musical genres in which we can find them are: Blues, Folk, Country music, Rock and some others

• Chromatic harmonica

Chromatic harmonicas allow us to make alterations and complete twelve notes. In this case, the operation will depend on a mechanism (button or lever) to block or unblock the different cells, to alter the direction of the air inside the instrument.

This harmonica allows us to do the same as two diatonic harmonicas at once, but with a single instrument. Therefore, it is logical to think that in many cases, it will require more technique than what is needed to play the diatonic.

In short, it allows us to play in all keys (something like the black and white notes of a piano with all its semitones).

The possibilities offered by this type of harmonica make it the perfect candidate for performances in Jazz, Tango, Bossa Nova, classical music... among others.

• More specific harmonicas

Beyond the two large groups of harmonicas mentioned above, we can find other types of much more unique harmonicas and, therefore, used less frequently in the world of music. Some examples of harmonicas that cannot be included in the diatonic or chromatic group could be: octave harmonicas, chord harmonicas, bass harmonicas, tremolo sextet harmonicas, or overblow harmonicas.

Main musical genres where a harmonica can be found

Although in the previous section, we mentioned some that are perhaps the most representative of each type of harmonica, they can really be used in almost any musical genre and any harmonica can try to interpret the desired musical genre with greater or lesser success.

Thus, we can see harmonicas in the most famous music styles today (Blues, Folk, Country, Rock, Soul, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Bluegrass, Zydeco, Hip Hop, Rap, Funk, Reggae...) as well as in most places around the world used in their traditional music (Celtic, Latin, Central European, Alpine, Russian, Ethnic, Balkan, Asian and many more).

How harmonicas work

The main thing to understand how the harmonica works is to be clear that 2 different tones are generated, one produced by exhaling air and the other by inhaling it. These distinct sounds, produced in the same place with different procedures, are considered diatonic notes (by exhalation) and cross notes (by inhalation).

That said, the next thing we need to be clear about is that the harmonica requires the use and combination of the lips and tongue on the instrument's mouthpiece. Each hole of the instrument houses a flat reed behind it, which functions as an airway to transmit sound.

This airway is blocked or unblocked to produce sound, therefore, the length of the reed can alter the tuning. For example, the heavier and longer the reed is and being less rigid, we can achieve lower and deeper sounds, unlike short and less flexible reeds that will produce high notes.

How to hold the harmonica to play

Correct functioning will also be conditioned by holding the harmonica properly. The position of the hands will allow us to achieve better acoustic effects. Techniques such as the hand tremolo (quickly closing and opening the secondary hand to change volume intensity) or the "wah-wah" effect will be decisive in improving listening quality.

2 important considerations for holding the harmonica correctly

• Harmonica position: It should be placed so that the high notes are on the right and the low notes on the left (just like pianos).

• Acoustic sealing: Ensuring that the hands form an acoustic air chamber that allows the sound to be maintained. Thanks to this “acoustic enclosure” or “sealing between both hands,” the quality of the acoustics can be greatly improved. The 7 notes of the low register must be covered with the right hand, as these will be the most used to create sound effects.

Although it is true that many artists often use harmonica holders to combine it with other instruments such as the guitar, without having to use their hands to hold the harmonica. In these cases, the limitations of the harmonica will be greater, but in return, the ability to combine it with another instrument can be very enriching.

Learning to play the harmonica requires a continuous process and a lot of patience and motivation. If you are just starting out or have not yet started playing the harmonica, we recommend that you take a look at our 10 tips for learning to play the harmonica like a professional.