What Key Harmonica? (Lesson For Beginners)

In this lesson I try to answer the questions: "What key harmonica should I be playing?" and "What does "key" mean?" It's a very easy introduction to the idea of music, for the harmonica beginner. The key to "key" is to understand that everything boils down to patterns, or relationships. You can play the same harp patterns or tunes on ANY diatonic harmonica. Switch harp keys and the music switches key too.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• harmonica
• lesson
• dan gage
• blues harp
• key
• mouth organ
• beginner
• diatonic harmonica

[WordOfTheDayguy]

love your videos! Not sure if you'll ever get this, but have you heard anything about GOlden Melody key of A harmonica? I;ve been playing for a while now on a crappy 5$ Chinese harp but feel that Im ready to use a good one. What do you recommend? ps: I dont realy play the blues.. I prefer Folk songs and playing single notes rather then chords.. Thanks...

[12gagedan]

@WordOfTheDayguy If you're sure you want to play a diatonic harp, then the Golden Melody sounds great for you.

[TERIN9567]

wich is the best harmonica in the world

for me to giv gift......

[12gagedan]

@TERIN9567 How much money do you want to spend? Best might be a custom harmonica by one of the great harpsmiths like Joe Spiers or Jimmy Gordon. Commercially available, something like a Manji, Crossover, Meisterklasse, or other ~$80+ harps would be good. If someone is already a harp player, a harmonica is a bad gift idea. If they are not, then a superb harmonica will likely be wasted. In this case, any harp in the $35+ range would be nice.

[1989PeeJay]

Whats your feelings on the Hohner old standby in C

[12gagedan]

@1989PeeJay it'll work. The pocket pal, american ace, and old standby are all pretty much the same; basic, lower-end, but functional diatonic harps.

[agaller2]

Great instruction, your playing really inspires me to get better and better. Just bought a Hohner Golden Melody in C today, came in wanting a Blues Harp but I think this one will have more range. Cheers!

[MovieMakerInTheMakin]

My harmonica has 32 holes? 16 on top and 16 just underneath them. Still haven't a clue how to play it! :)

[BortzKyle1]

how do you get the single notes, my wife just bought me hohner international its hard to hold a single note. Thanks

[VegImre1]

I got a weird 24 hole harmonica no idea what key man. I will buy a C one like the ones on video...

[jd318jds]

well...thanks alot...to find more time for music carry a harp ... I practice in the car between commutes...extremely portable!

[JoeCrazy189]

u are awesome man

[StripesElephant]

can you tell me what harps do you use?

[mus9021]

tq broo..

[gebukdrum]

could you show or tell me how to blow up on those square holes on the harmonica?

[iowndunoob]

What is a good budget Harmonica? like really cheap I dont have much cash maybe in the 30 dollar range? is that possible to find a good one at that price range?