Buy: Harmonicas

Harmonicas

Diatonics:

- Lee Oskar

- Hohner

- Suzuki

Package Deals

Chromatics:

- Hohner

- Suzuki

Tremolos

Reed Plates

Gift Ideas

Browse Products

Diatonic Harmonicas

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".

Shop by Harmonica Brands:

Hohner Diatonics | Lee Oskar Diatonics | Suzuki Diatonics

Click for price or purchase	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."
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Special 20- This is 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.
Click for price or purchase	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."
Click for price or purchase	Suzuki Promaster Diatonic Harmonica- The Suzuki Promaster comes with a machined Phosphor Bronze reed plates (replaceable), tuned and bendable reed system and the satin anodized aluminum alloy comb that holds it all together. The ergonomically designed, polished stainless steel reed covers provide maximum playing comfort while the inner components produce the rich tones and clarity so sought after by professional players.
Check price or purchase	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.
Check price or purchase	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.
Click for price or purchase	Bob Dylan Signature Harmonica- Key of "C" only. Premier harmonica maker Hohner and rock icon Bob Dylan have collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind harp...
Check price or purchase	Hohner XB-40 Extreme Bending Harp- The XB-40 Harmonica was designed by Rick Epping and offers the player complete bending freedom with all 10 holes, blow and draw, capable of bending a complete whole-step. The XB-40 body size is about the same as a #260 10-hole chromatic. *Please note: NOT a standard diatonic...
Check price or purchase	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...
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Golden Melody- This is a good choice for advanced players that are looking to venture into overblows and overdraws. These, like the Lee Oskar diatonics, are designed more for...
Click for price or purchase	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...
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Cross Harp (MS)- This is a solid choice for a Hohner MS diatonic. It comes with cool black cover plates and a gold-anodized plastic comb. They do look great and the playability and sound is comparable to the other Hohner...
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Marine Band - This wood-combed harmonica (which pre-1975 was the best diatonic anyone could buy), is not recommended for beginners or someone that does not plan on spending the time or money involved on customizing it to seal the pear wood comb. These harmonicas leak air and make it very difficult for beginners...
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Blues Harp (MS)- The "MS" in the Hohner-MS refers to the Hohner Modular System which means you can use these reed plates interchangeably between all "MS" products and buy "MS" replacement reed plates. Our comments: For a Hohner with a wood-comb, aside from the Marine Band Deluxe, this is the best...
Click for price or purchase	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...
Click for price or purchase	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...
Click for price or purchase	Hohner Marine Band (Low D, Eb, E, F, F#, High G)- 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 Marine Bands come in the keys of D, Eb, E, F, F#, which are a complete octave lower than the standard...