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!