There are many different types of musical instruments out there that a person can choose to learn how to play. One that makes wonderful sounds and seems like a lot of fun is the harmonica. When you watch musicians play it they make it look graceful and easy. With the right lessons you will soon be playing just like that. It is important to remember that everyone was once a beginner though.
There are some musicians out there that make extra money by offering music lessons. Some of them do play the harmonica so you can follow up on such advertisements that talk about this. You can also ask musicians you know if they can refer you to someone who may be willing to teach you. Sometimes individuals at music stores know where you can take them as well.
The type of harmonica you are playing is also going to determine the notes. Some of them only have ten holes while those used to play blues music have twelve. The note C is the one that all harmonicas are tuned to when you buy them. This is the universal note for harmonica playing. Each hole on the harmonica has two notes attached to it, one on each side. This tends to be complicated for many people though at first.
The harmonica that most people are familiar with is the ten-hole “Blues harp.” Each of the holes has two reeds, which are tuned to play different notes. Blues harps come in virtually every key, and each harmonica can play 19 musical notes.
Blues harps are a subcategory of diatonic harmonicas, so named because of the two reeds in each hole. Diatonic harmonics generally play only one key. Another type of diatonic harmonica is the octave harmonica, which is tuned so that each hole plays the same note, only an octave apart from one another. The tremolo harmonica also has two reeds, but one plays a slightly flat note and the other plays a slightly sharp note.
Most harmonicas are very durable and they will last you for a very long time. However, you need to do your part to take care of them. When not in use the harmonica needs to be in a carrying pouch. This will prevent it from getting damaged and the sound changing. You also need to clean it out on a regular basis.
Over a period of time, all harmonicas will need to be tuned again. You may end up doing permanent damage to it if you don’t keep it clean. In most cases when your harmonica is out of tune you will need to replace it. Repairs can be time consuming and expensive yet they don’t really seem to work for long before it is out of tune again.