What keys should I buy?
Q: What keys should I buy?
A: Diatonic harmonicas come in at least 12 different keys corresponding to
every available pitch of the chromatic scale, some which are repeated an
octave higher or lower. Some keys are more useful to have than others. A
good starting set are the keys of C, G, A and D,. esp. if you play along
with guitarists who favor open chords. If you are more apt to play along
with horns, the flat keys come in handy, namely F, Bb, Eb or Ab. As you
become familiar with playing different ~positions~ (see below), the
question of ~which keys~ will become easier.
Chromatic harmonicas usually come in C and G. Some are available in Eb and
other keys. Since every note is relatively easy to obtain on a chromatic,
and since they are usually used as single note instruments
(linear/melodies), playing positionally in any of the keys is much more
common than on a diatonic. Hence there has been perceived to be less need
for as many different keys as there are for diatonic (among other reasons)
– HA.
Hi there, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a begginner but I have only ever played in major keys but a band I sit in with do a few things in minor keys eg Gmin; without wishing to appear stupid, what are the relative harps for use in minor keys. Many thanks, Mel
Minor songs sound best in THIRD position. In third, all the draw notes sound good. Many of the second position riffs (such as the Juke riff) work in thrid position, but you have to use one hole up on the harp to make them work.
The best way to play third is to draw “octaves” by placing the tip your tongue on the harp (try to touch a post, not a hole) and playing notes on either side of it.
To play in D use a C harp and concentrate on draw notes. to play in G use an F. In third position you use a harp one full step lower than the key of the song.