What kind of harmonica to buy

Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Picking up a new instrument can feel like a daunting undertaking. Learning to play is often time-consuming especially if you never took lessons , not to mention the fact that many musical instruments — even at the entry level — can be expensive, pricing out any potential players who need to stick to a budget for their new hobby.

The harmonica, though, is decidedly neither of these things. Harps typically have ten holes and are ideal for playing rock, blues, or folk music. Four of the experts we spoke with recommend beginner harmonica players start out with the reliable and well-designed Hohner Special Blues Scale Sections.

Learn the value of not just learning a scale up and down, but instead dividing the 2nd Position Blues Scale into smaller "bite-size" chunks, which can then be used as blues riffs.

Tonguing Technique: "Chicken Call". Dave demonstrates how you can use the "Tonguing" technique to create interesting sounds such as the "Chicken Call".

Lee Oskar "Starter Harmonica". Hohner Crossover Bamboo Comb. Hohner Special 20 "Great 1st Harmonica". Suzuki Manji Diatonic Harmonicas - Set of 3. Suzuki Hole Chromatic Harmonica. Neither type of instrument is suitable for beginners and they are not designed for solo performance. I think all these are good models for those starting out, but Special 20 and the Rockets are very good, and my students have really enjoyed using them.

Thanks Marcelo! This is the case with the Special 20 and Rocket models, which have recessed reed plates and a slightly protruding mouthpiece. Hello, I want to play classic music on a chromatic harmonica. But also at the same time guitar. I know there are some brands using a slider by bending the harmonica with the mouth. Therefore the harmonica has to be in a holder. What I like to know, is there a Hohner type harmonica with that?

Or if not, can you recommend me an other brand s? Thanks for reply,. I suggest you enquire on one of the online forums such as Harp-L, I have certainly read posts discussing such instruments there, regards Steve. This has to be one of my favorite harmonica guides. I have played the Special 20 ever since I started playing pro-grade harmonicas, and I can understand why they are recommended so much for beginners.

The Special 20 is a great instrument, glad you like it. Hi there. Now I got some beginners Questions. Is the Crossover wort the higher price?