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Diatonic Harmonicas |
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Diatonic- The standard 10-hole diatonic harmonicas come in all 12 keys of music and allow you to play a complete 7-note scale of the key of the harmonica. Additional notes from outside the scale can be acquired by "bending" certain draw (inhale) and blow (exhale) notes. Most professionals primarily play diatonic harmonica. Diatonic harmonicas are typically used in blues, rock, country, and folk, but can also be found in nearly all styles of music. They are sometimes referred to as a "blues harp", "harp", "short harp", or "standard 10-hole".
The particular model and brand of diatonic played by your favorite pro is not important when choosing a harmonica, more importantly, learn to play like the pro and you will sound like them. If you are at all serious about learning to play, start with a good quality one. The cheaper ones leak air, are very difficult to learn to bend, and can cause no end of frustration.
Note: All keys of standard diatonic harmonicas are layed out and played the same way. That is, if you own a standard 10-hole diatonic in a key other than the key of "C" (like an "A" or "D" for instance), it will play the same as the "C" for songs, riffs, and instruction, but the music comes out in a different key.
More from "Harmonica Types Defined".
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Lee Oskar Major Diatonic- "The No. 1 HarmonicaLessons.com diatonic
harmonica recommendation. The serious beginner can't go wrong with the standard Lee Oskar major diatonic in the key of "C". You can spend less or even more for a diatonic, but worth the price for it's consistent volume, tone, and durability. Its airtightness makes it easier to learn to bend on. Be sure to use the pulldown menu to select the key of "C" if you are just starting out. The Lee Oskar harmonicas also feature the 1st Position and 2nd Position [click here for definitions] keys printed on the ends of each diatonic for easy reference. You can also order Lee Oskar Replacement Reed Plates when the reeds go bad." |
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Marine Band Crossover Harmonica- The classic Hohner Marine Band harmonica has a new sibling. The Marine Band Crossover sports a quality air-tight bamboo comb that creates a great tone and ease of bending for blues, rock, country, or whatever style of music you play.
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Hohner Special 20- One of our favorite Hohner diatonic for price and quality. This model is "Just Intonation" tuned so that your chord playing sounds a bit smoother and richer. Be sure to use the pulldown menu to select the key of "C" if you are just starting out.
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Harmonica Lessons.com™ (website)- "Free samples available. Over 525 pages of harmonica instruction and information. LEARN IMMEDIATELY !! Includes over 190 of the most popular and requested tabs and songs anywhere -- Learn to play the blues -- Play Techniques like Single Notes & Bending. Can't find or afford a teacher? Besides the text-based instruction and MP3 audio examples, use the Members Forums for help. Theory, Blues Riffs, Complete Beginners Section, and much more."
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Suzuki Manji Diatonic Harmonica- Advanced technology and functional beauty are combined in
this stunning 10 hole diatonic harmonica, the all-new Suzuki MANJI Harmonica. This revolutionary new diatonic harmonica is named after Mr. Manji Suzuki, the company's founder, now in his mid 80s, but still very much in charge. He started with a single hand-built model 70 years ago, and has built Suzuki up into one of the world's premier harmonica manufacturers. Comes with stainless steel
cover plates, Phosphor Bronze Reeds, and Wood/Resin Composite Comb.
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Lee Oskar Major Diatonic 6-Pack/pouch (popular keys)- Save money and buy the 6 most popular keys of the Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. Includes keys of: "C", "D", "F", "G", "A", and "Bb". These are the most common keys needed if you plan to jam in 2nd Position with friends or bands or CDs. Also included is the Lee Oskar Harmonica Soft Pouch, a zippered harmonica carry case that will hold up to 7 diatonic harmonicas. Each harmonica is held in place by an elastic strap. |
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Hohner Special 20 Package (5 keys/case)- Save money and buy 5 popular keys of the Hohner Special 20 Diatonic. Also included is a free Hohner logo carrying case that holds 7 harmonicas total.
Includes keys of: "C", "D", "E", "G", "A". This is the HarmonicaLessons.com favorite Hohner diatonic for price and quality and ease of use for beginners and pros alike. This model is "Just Intonation" tuned so that your chord playing sounds a bit smoother and richer. |
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HarmonicaLessons.com Beginners Tutorial Book | Lee Oskar Harmonica - Get started right with our 90-page Beginners Harmonica Instruction Book and a quality diatonic harmonica (in the
Key of "C") for learning how to play harmonica!...
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Hohner Marine Band Deluxe- This harmonica incorporates a variety of improvements on the original design which optimize and ensure greater volume and faster response, while retaining the rich and powerful Hohner classic sound... |
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Hohner Meisterklasse (MS)- This is the high end of the Hohner diatonic line with an aluminum comb, replaceable MS reed plates, and is handmade in Germany. They don't play or sound immensely different then... |
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Lee Oskar "Natural Minor" Diatonic- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. The "Natural Minor" tuned diatonic is made specifically to be played in the 2nd Position and is used for songs in minor keys. It's a little confusing... |
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Hohner Special 20 (Low D, Eb, E, F, F#)- Don't be confused. This is not a standard tuned diatonic and it is not what we recommend for beginners. This is a special purpose harmonica. These Low-Tuned Special 20's come in the keys of E, Eb, F, F#, which are a complete octave lower than the standard... |
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Harmonicas
Harmonicas