Getting familiar with your harmonica

Introduction to the Diatonic Harmonica

Hi, I'm Matt, and I'm here to teach you some basic stuff on the diatonic harmonica. This is what I'm talking about:

• It has 10 holes.
• There are 2 reeds in each hole, allowing you to produce 2 notes per hole.

Getting Started with Blues Harmonica

What I'm going to try and do is show you some simple, easy-to-learn blues pieces to get you started on playing the blues harmonica.

I tend to use diatonic harmonicas mainly like this one. These are the ones with:

• 10 holes
• Available in various keys and tunings (all 12 keys, low tunings, minor tunings).

I usually prefer the normal tunings, though sometimes I use low-pitched harmonicas. My go-to brand is Seidel, a company from Germany, known for making fantastic instruments. They are the oldest harmonica maker in the world.

I also play a bit of chromatic harmonica, the one with the push button that you may have seen Stevie Wonder play, for instance.

Choosing Your Harmonica

For this course, you'll need a harmonica in the key of C:

• It should have 10 holes.
• It will say C on it somewhere.

You can find these in most music shops or online.

Holding Your Harmonica

Right-Handed Players

If you're right-handed like me, it's best to hold the harmonica in your left hand.

• Ensure that the numbers (1-10) are on top.
• The low notes should be on the left side and the high notes on the right side.

Left-Handed Players

If you're left-handed, it might be more comfortable to hold it in your right hand, it's entirely up to you, but the numbers need to be on top.

Positioning

• Check that number one is positioned correctly at the corner of the harmonica, resting between your thumb and forefinger on your left hand.
• When you play the harmonica, it must be horizontal and level.

Head Movement

When playing, move your head, not the harmonica.

• To achieve the ideal holding position, you can pretend you have a moustache:
  • Slot the harmonica in without your fingers blocking your lips.
  • Drop your chin to get your lips over and under the harmonica.

Most harmonicas have a screw at either end; your lips should be level with those screws to ensure that all the air you breathe goes through the harmonica, not into the room.

Final Tips for Positioning

• Pretend you have a moustache, slot the harmonica in, and get your lips over and under the instrument.

• Dropping your chin improves sound quality and reduces effort.

• Position your index finger as far back as possible and your thumb underneath.

For a profile view, here's how far it should go in.

Support Hand Techniques

With your other hand (the one not holding the harmonica), you have options:

• Steady the instrument by holding the other end with your fingers and thumb.
• Make a cup with your hand behind the harmonica. This is useful later for techniques like vibrato.

Playing Technique

• Keep the harmonica horizontal and level.
• Try to drop your chin and move your head when you play.

Following these tips should get you started on your harmonica journey!