Harmonica Size Guide report
Harmonica is a small wind instrument. This is a multi-reed musical instrument, which belongs to the free-reed wind instrument in the classification of musical instruments. Its playing principle is to blow or inhale through the mouth to make the metal reed vibrate and produce sound. The sound source is a reed length between 1.5 and 3.5 cm rather than an air column.
Harmonica is divided into solo and ensemble harmonica, each of which has different types. The range varies slightly depending on the type and tonality. As a melodic instrument, the harmonica can play at least two kinds of chords; high-level players can play two relatively independent voices simultaneously on the premise that the harmonica follows the structure of the harmonica.
Because of its small size, the harmonica is called "the piano in your pocket." In 1857, Bushman and Tosien founded a company specializing in harmonicas, manufactured the first batch of harmonicas, and soon sold them to Europe and the United States. It was in 1885 that the harmonica had modern characteristics and sizes after continuous improvement. The following post introduces common sizes and types of harmonica.
Harmonica Size Guide
The harmonica is a common instrument, but its performance is also highly artistic. A skilled player can play a variety of sound effects by changing the pronunciation of the reed and the pressure of the airflow. The harmonica is most common in blues music and country folk songs and is also used in rock music. With the emergence of the super-blowing technology of the chromatic harmonica and the diatonic harmonica, the harmonica can also play classical music and some jazz music. The body of the harmonica is rectangular, its size and length vary, and there are many shapes. The common types are the diatonic (10-key) harmonica, chromatic harmonica, and tremolo harmonica.
Harmonica Sizes
- Diatonic harmonicas are the most popular type in Europe and America. Because the most common size has ten holes, it is also called a "10-Holes Harp" or blues harmonica.
- Chromatic harmonicas come in several sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 holes.
- Tremolo harmonicas generally have 16 to 28 holes, of which 24 are the most common in China. Japanese tremolo harmonicas are common with 21 holes.
| Type | Size | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Diatonic harmonica | 10 holes | blues, folk, R&B, rock, and pop music |
| Chromatic harmonica | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 holes | classic, jazz music |
| Tremolo harmonica | 16, 21, 24, 28 holes | folk, Asian rock and pop music |
Common Harmonica Types
- Diatonic Harmonicas: This is the most commonly used type, and you will find them in blues, folk, and often pop music. Most music teachers will advise you to get a diatonic (10-key) harmonica in the key C as your first harmonica. This kind of harmonica is characterized by its small size and unique sound, a very "humanized" instrument. In blues music, this type of harmonica has a status comparable to that of the guitar.
- Chromatic Harmonicas: There are four reeds in each hole of the chromatic harmonica, and the number of holes is 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc. The range is two to four octaves, and Chromatic harmonicas usually come in the key of C or G. Because the chromatic harmonica can play all semitones in the range, this type of harmonica is suitable for playing more complex classic music.
- Tremolo Harmonicas: The distinguishing feature of the tremolo-tuned harmonicas is that it has two reeds per note, one slightly sharp and the other slightly flat. It helps to produce a unique warbling sound. You will find the diatonic version in folk music. However, the chromatic counterpart is usually found in Asian rock and pop music. The advantage of the tremolo harmonica is the simple and fixed structure and does not require complicated skills. This type has a complete range of types and tones, and the sound is crisp and loud, with a large volume and strong penetrating power. It is also the best choice for beginners.
Conclusion
If you are shopping for harmonicas but are confused about the hundreds of options out there. If you are starting as a beginner, it doesn't make much sense to buy all 12 sizes at once, so the standard advice is to start with a C harmonica. When comparing diatonic models, you may also notice they come in 2 sizes: 10 holes – with a 3-octave range and 14 holes – with a 4-octave range. The 10-hole models are vastly more common than 14. The reeds are usually very small, so some small attachments can cause these reeds not to pronounce correctly. Therefore, maintaining the harmonica is, to a large extent, to maintaining the cleanliness of these reeds.
