In English, the name of a harmonica can sound like harmonica, or harp. From last option so did the nickname of the musician who plays this instrument - harper.
Where did it come from, who invented it? To answer these questions, you will have to delve a little into history.
Where did it come from...
The harmonica became famous not so long ago. Its history, of course, cannot be compared with the stories of a more ancient flute or the same guitar. Nevertheless, the harmonica has something in common with the flute: they both belong to the same family of wind reed instruments.
Unlike most musical instruments the harmonic has practically exact date creation. It was patented in 1821 by 16-year-old German H.F.L. Bushman, "watchmaker." Of course, then it had a look that was clearly different from the modern appearance of this instrument: a metal plate with fifteen holes covered with steel reeds. The sound was produced only on exhalation, and, as in our times, its volume and purity depended solely on the skill of the master.
This is what the first accordion looked like
The design of the first accordion was not ideal. Many understood this and tried to make changes. The furthest went again to a German, a certain Richter from Bohemia. Already in 1826, he offered musicians his own version of the instrument. There were already 10 holes, and 20 reeds, that is, two for each: one of the reeds was responsible for producing sound when inhaling, the other - when exhaling. The scheme proposed by Richter with a diatonic scale turned out to be so good and convenient that it exists to this day.
Already in mid-19th century, mass production of harmonicas began, and the first among its manufacturers was M. Honer. The company he founded in 1857, named after its creator, quickly conquered the market. Including due to the fact that Honer relied not only on Europe. In the early 60s of the same century, he brought his harmonicas to America, and this was the right step. Since then, the German company Hohner has been a world leader in the production of these particular musical instruments. However, their range does not end there; it includes accordions, recorders, and guitars. But it all started with an ordinary harmonica!
Now you can even find something like this: an accordion and a flash drive - two in one
Harmonica device
Inside the instrument there are two plates with reeds, one of which works on inhalation, and the other on exhalation. That is, the sound actually occurs when the tongue, located opposite the hole into which you inhale (or, conversely, from which you “take” air), breaks the air stream.
Since the harmonica is a very small instrument in itself, no acoustic resonator, such as, for example, in a guitar, simply would not fit there. Therefore, the strength of sound depends primarily (and only) on the musician himself, on the position of his hands, the development of his lungs and the degree of skill.
Accordions are made from wood, plastic or metal. A tree, as it should be, requires more careful care, is more sensitive to the weather and is more capricious about other everyday troubles.
Harmonicas, among other things, also differ in tonality. The most common type of instrument is in the key of C major. Among the "Chinese" there are a majority of such accordions. Companies from Japan and Germany introduce more variety: harps in G major are often found, and also, less frequently, in other keys.
Varieties
What types of harmonics are there? Quite simply, without rare professional instruments, they are divided into diatonic and chromatic.
Diatonic (bottom) and chromatic harmonicas
Diatonic ones allow the musician to “by default” extract only the basic notes from the instrument - C, D, E, etc. Chromatic ones make it possible to play the entire chromatic scale, using halftones (C-sharp, D-sharp, etc.). If we draw an analogy with the piano, then diatonic means playing only with white keys, and chromatic means playing with black keys too.
Of course, when you have thoroughly mastered playing the diatonic harmonica, all the special techniques - bend, overblow, overdro and others, it will not be difficult for you to extract the sounds of “black keys” from the instrument. But all this takes time.
You can distinguish accordions by sight. The main difference is that chromatics have a slider on the side, a special button that allows you to raise the note by a semitone.
True, there are exceptions here too! For example, Tombo Chromatic Single S50. No slider, but chromatic. Halftones are extracted from the second row of holes.
As for the holes, the number of holes for a diatonic harmonica remains constant - 10. But for a chromatic instrument, this position can change. Of course, basically there are from 12 to 16 holes, but there can be more and less - 8, and 22. And even 10, as on a diatonic. The more there are, the wider the range of notes that you can use when playing.
And, of course, a chromatic harmonica will be larger in size than a diatonic one. The number of holes does the trick.
I’ll warn you right away: learning to play chromatically is more difficult. Maybe that's why it's less common. On store shelves there is often a decent selection of diatonic instruments and a much smaller selection of chromatic instruments. And by the way, the price also varies quite a bit, but more on that below.
In addition to the main division, there is also a smaller division into subspecies.
Thus, a diatonic harmonica can be blues, octave and tremolo.
Blues is the most famous. 10 holes, sound produced by inhalation and exhalation. It can also become chromatic for you if, as mentioned above, you master all the techniques of playing it perfectly.
Hohner Blues Harp, blues (price approximately 1000 rubles)
Tremolo - great for playing folk songs. If you look inside such an accordion, you can find two sound plates at once. They are a little upset towards each other, but they sound at the same time. This combination produces the tremolo effect, which in fact gives the instrument its name.
Hohner Tremolo Soloist CG (price about 2300 rub.)
Octave harmonica It differs from a tremolo only in that its two sound plates are not out of tune with each other, but, on the contrary, are tuned “to the octave.” They also produce sound together, and because of these structural features, the music is louder and somewhat more specific compared to others.
There are also, of course, orchestral harmonicas (bass, chord), but they are so rare and highly specialized that they are purchased only for playing in ensembles, when this is the main job. I think that in this case the person himself, without this article, knows what he needs.
What are you going to play
The choice of harmonica largely depends on what kind of music you are going to primarily perform on it. For different works you need a certain arrangement of notes that is most convenient for your chosen style.
For example, if you want to play jazz pieces or classical music in general, choose a chromatic harmonica. Blues is already a diatonic, and, accordingly, blues. For simpler melodies, with a unique sound in the style of Russian folk and dance-round dances, a tremolo is suitable. The octave and other orchestral ones are very much for an amateur or for an actively performing professional.
What should you buy?
The first question for a beginner who is about to take up playing the harmonica seriously is: “Which instrument should I buy?”
If you are going to study with a teacher, then it all depends on the preferences of the teacher.
By the way, for a professional the question is “what should I take - chromatic or diatonic?” sounds the same as for any other musician - someone's problem of choosing between a guitar and a saxophone. It’s just that both chromatic and diatonic harmonicas, despite all the external similarities, are still different instruments in terms of difficulty of mastering, sound production techniques, etc.
But let's return to specific models. If you look towards diatonics, the most popular choice is Hohner Blues Harp (cost about 1000 rubles), Hohner Special 20 (about 930 rubles), Suzuki ProMaster (price around 2000 rubles), Lee Oscar Major Diatonic (you can find for 1200 rubles), Seydel 1847 (already somewhere around 3000 rubles).
Suzuki ProMaster
With chromaticity it's not so simple. Firstly, you should immediately decide which tool with how many holes you need. As mentioned above, the more there are, the richer the scale (that is, more notes can be extracted from the instrument).
Nevertheless, among them you can find the most popular models among beginners. Perhaps, first of all, these are Hohner Chromonika 40 (about 3,700 rubles), Tombo Uni Chromatic (cost about 3,800 rubles), Hohner Super 64 X (already about 10,000 rubles).
Buying tips
A fairly decent instrument (from the diatonic range) can be purchased for around $20. In stores, of course, they offer harmonicas starting from 300 rubles, but it’s still better to focus on the average price threshold.
However, keep in mind that a chromatic harmonica will cost several times more. Just good tool starts from 3-4 thousand rubles, a very good one can cost about 35,000 rubles.
Hohner Amadeus Chromatik Harmonika (cost about $1500)
It is better to buy in the company of a person who understands harmonics. And if you still come to the store alone, don’t be shy from the salespeople - try for yourself what the model you like sounds like.
In most Russian cities you can hardly get anything other than Hohner. If your soul has been yearning for something else, then welcome to the world of the Internet. Still, it will most likely be cheaper than going to another city yourself.
In the end, no one is stopping you from later buying a couple more representatives of your favorite instrument and then playing the harmonica whose sound you like best. Most models are not prohibitively expensive; this instrument is still easier to manufacture than, for example, a synthesizer.
In general, it all depends on skill. A beginner on an expensive harmonica is unlikely to be able to beat a pro on a cheap harmonica, right? Another thing is that in in capable hands a good tool can do wonders.
By the way, a harmonica is an excellent gift for a child. Nowadays they produce a great variety of children's ones - colored, with some drawings, popular cartoon characters.
This is an interesting, exciting, and at the same time educational activity. Maybe in this way your son or daughter will become familiar with music, maybe later it will become their profession. Moreover, it is not at all necessary that the further choice will fall on the accordion.
But who knows - what if a new Stevie Wonder is growing up next to you?
Double-reed tremolos and octave harmonicas are good for playing traditional dance tunes, including polkas, Scottish melodies, waltzes, and other types of melodies based on traditional styles such as Slavic, Celtic, French-Canadian, Scandinavian and American. Although blues diatonics and chromatics dominate the world, historically and throughout the world, two-reed harmonicas (mostly tremolos) are the most widely used. When playing such harmonicas, they are used different techniques performing various melodies (blocking with the tongue and blocking with the lips), but the most suitable is blocking the sound holes (channels) with the tongue, a kind of accompaniment of chords was obtained. In this way, rhythmicity, completeness and harmony of melodies are achieved, and no other accompaniment is required. This is a completely suitable method for playing.
Tremolo and octave harmonicas are basically the same as standard diatonic harmonicas, but when each note is played, two reeds play in the hole (channel). On Octave Harmonics, these two reeds are tuned to the same note, but one octave apart, resulting in a fuller sound. On Tremolo, one of the reeds is tuned slightly higher than the other, resulting in a “tremolo” effect, the sound is fuller than on a standard diatonic harmonica. In appearance, most octave and tremolo harmonicas have some differences from diatonic ones. Instead of one row of 10 holes, they have 2 rows (1 row for inhaled notes and 1 row for exhaled notes) of 20 or more holes. In other words, two-reed harmonicas have 4 times more holes than single-reed harmonicas.
Because there are more holes, the notes are positioned farther outward than on a standard 10-hole harmonica, and playing requires more horizontal movement than a standard harmonica. This means that when you play chords you have to make do with fewer notes per chord. For example, on a diatonic harmonica in the key of C, you can play a 3-4-5 (B-D-F) chord while inhaling, this is a G7 chord, but on a two-reed harmonica you get only D-F, which can sound like Dm or F6. Therefore, many of the tunes played on a double-reed harmonica will sound slightly different (maybe more neutral) than those played on a single-reed harmonica, but this will be compensated by the fuller sound due to the additional reeds.
Setting up double reed harmonicas
The tuning system for the two reed harmonicas is based on the so-called Richter system, which is used to tune the standard Marine Band, a 10-hole diatonic harmonica. But there are also options. Octaves and tremolos with the key C often neglect the lower C - the lowest note is E, this is not a malfunction or defect because the lower octave is more often used for playing chords than for playing melody. Many tremolos released in Asia (probably the most commonly found harmonicas in the world) use a slightly different tuning system. On these "Eastern tremolos" the bottom octave is very similar to the middle octave of the standard Richter system. As a result of this, in the upper octave, adjacent notes played while inhaling and exhaling begin to be distorted, which requires certain skills in playing. Another system is used in tools from Huang. The tuning is the same as the chromatic harmonica but with double C notes on the exhale in each octave.
Two-reed harmonicas differ in another aspect of tuning. Most Western manufacturers (Hohner, Hering) use the “euphony” system. The notes are adjusted so that they form good sounding chords. But sometimes individual notes may not coincide with similar notes played on another instrument.
Asian manufacturers (Suzuki, Huang) are leaning towards balance. As a result, single notes are more accurate, but the chords sound less pleasant and more clear and strong. One last aspect of harmonic tremolo tuning: - Western manufacturers place the double reeds far apart, which produces audible and fast vibrations (also called a “damp” tremolo). Asian manufacturers use a “dry” tremolo, the reeds are located close to each other, which gives slower vibrations.
Octave and tremolo harmonicas come in different keys, and each has its own sound and characteristics. Standard single-reed diatonics are available in all keys, from low G to high F. The note for C and D diatonic tunings is very high for Octave harmonicas, so when tuning, reeds are added an octave lower. On the other hand, for octave harmonicas with the key G, reeds are taken an octave higher. Also, C and D tremolo instruments are tuned an octave lower than standard single-reed harmonicas. Tremolo and Octave harmonica with C key are very suitable for beginners.
You can use an inexpensive, simple instrument, but a harmonica high quality buy later. With this approach, the matter most often does not come to the point of buying an harmonica, because the performer is completely disappointed in the harmonica after playing a low-quality instrument.
There are several types of harmonicas:
- Diatonic (10 hole);
- Chromatic;
- Tremolo;
- Octaves;
- Bass;
- Chords;
- Various hybrids of these harmonics.
Most often, chord, bass and octave harmonicas are used in harmonica orchestras; they are very difficult to find on sale, so we will not focus on them. Let's instead discuss diatonic, chromatic and tremolo harmonicas.
Harmonica tremolo
They tend to have the two sound reeds slightly out of tune relative to each other on each note. This is what creates the tremolo effect. These harmonicas have only the sounds of the “white piano keys” and do not have any “black keys”. The tremolo can be considered a primitive harmonica; anyone with the slightest ear for music can learn to play it quickly and easily. However, due to the large shortage of missing notes, it is very limited in its capabilities. If you choose a tremolo harmonica, you will only be able to perform simple children's melodies, Russian and Ukrainian native songs and, probably, the anthems of some countries.
Chromatic harmonica
It has all the sounds of the chromatic scale, i.e. with all the “white and black piano keys.” Chromatic harmonics are capable of reproducing complex classical works and even jazz music. But at the same time it’s nice to have good music education, sight read music and play the diatonic harmonica perfectly. Everyone who plays the chromatic harmonica started with a diatonic harmonica, because you can learn some techniques (like bends or beautiful vibrato) perfectly on a diatonic harmonica without damaging the reeds of the instrument.
It is the most popular harmonica in the world and can play any music in any style. It has a rich and thick sound relative to the harmonics described above. It has all the notes, but, nevertheless, you should master sufficient skills to play this instrument. This harmonica is sometimes called a blues harmonica, but this does not mean that it is intended only for blues compositions. The name is explained by the fact that the diatonic harmonica gained enormous popularity precisely in the era of the formation of blues music, into which, by the way, it fits perfectly.
Harmonica reeds
The material from which the harmonica reeds are made directly affects the durability of the instrument. Hohner and Suzuki traditionally use copper reeds for their harmonicas. Seydel made an innovative breakthrough in this area; it became the first company to make steel reeds for its harmonicas. They are difficult to break and last longer.
Harmonicas have different tones. If you consider yourself to be a beginner harmonica player, then opt for a harmonica in the key of C major. It will be easier and easier for you to master the main techniques and skills. In addition, most of the existing tutorials are written for the harmonica in C major. Once you start learning the harmonica of this key, you will then easily play all the others, higher and lower. keys.
Checking the tool before purchasing
If you purchase harmonica In a special musical instrument store, be sure to ask for special bellows for harmonicas. With their help, they “blow through” each hole as you inhale and exhale to make sure that all notes are sounded. It is very important to “breathe” each hole separately. This can be quite challenging if you have never played the harmonica before. When checking each hole for inhalation and exhalation, pay attention special attention to additional sounds in the form of “ringing”, which can be found on harmonicas. This means that the reed clings to the harmonica board. In this case, ask for another harmonica. In addition, in low keys (A, G and lower), the reeds may hit the harmonica cover; in principle, this is normal, there is nothing wrong with that. But after going through several harmonics, you will find one that does not ring. On harmonicas in the key of C major there should be no ringing at all, so the best criterion for buying a harmonica in C major is a clear sound on each hole.
The harmonica does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and dampness. Before playing, it is recommended to heat the harmonica in your palms to human body temperature. For a long life, the harmonica should be carried in a case, played softly and try not to drop it. Periodically, it must be shaken out, removing particles of dirt and accumulated saliva. And then the harmonica will delight you with its sound for a long time.
Develop a sense of rhythm
If you have a natural sense of rhythm, that’s good, but this does not free you from working on the rhythmic pattern of the work. This is where a regular metronome will come to your aid. By the way, metronome analogues can be easily found on the Internet. Having achieved some success, do not stop and continue to master complex species rhythm, learn to determine the size of a musical composition by ear.
The harmonica is very compact and convenient to carry with you all the time. You can train in any free minute, you will feel significant progress and in a few months you will not recognize yourself.
Develop musical memory
Once you start learning a melody from notes or tabs, try to break away from them at some point and pay attention to the intonation. Play from memory, putting your soul into this piece. At the same time, you will develop your ear for music, each time memorization will become easier.
Accurate sound and original playing style
High-quality sound and a good sense of rhythm are the main thing for a master! Show your individuality in variations on the theme of the melody, but the sound must be impeccable!
The game of virtuosos is the best textbook for beginner performers. You should always have with you not only a harmonica, but also audio recordings of your favorite melodies and musicians. Listen to them whenever possible.
Play in a group
So, you are already quite good at playing and improvising, and now you are invited to musical group. Playing in a group requires compliance with special rules: you must wait for the moment when you can solo without interrupting other performers. A sign of the skill of a harmonica player who performs in an ensemble lies precisely in the ability to collaborate. If you give others the right to speak, you won't be left behind either.
Or the harmonica is an instrument that everyone has heard before. Today it is popular due to its compactness, affordability and the ability to teach the game independently. It seems like a long time ago familiar piece when performed masterfully on the harmonica, it can sparkle with new colors. Today we will tell you everything about this tool.
History of the harmonica
Essentially, the harmonica is a Western-style wind organ. The first compact instrument appeared in 1821 thanks to the German watchmaker Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann. His invention was called “aura” and was a metal plate with fifteen slots that were closed with steel tabs. This device was more like a tuning fork; the notes in it were arranged in chromatic order and were extracted solely by exhalation.
In 1826, a master named Richter made an accordion with 20 reeds and 10 holes (separate for exhalation and inhalation), mounted in a wooden cedar body. He also proposed a tuning option using the diatonic scale for all European instruments, called the “Mundharmonika”, or wind organ, which became standard.
IN North America The harmonica appeared in 1862 thanks to Matthias Honer, and by 1879 Honer was producing up to 700 thousand instruments a year.
During the Great Depression and World War II in the 30s and 40s. In the twentieth century, there was a massive migration of southerners to the northern states of the United States and the West Coast. It was they who brought the harmonica with them to these places.
In modern musical world The harmonica is experiencing its rebirth. The range of music styles that use its sound is expanding. Today this instrument can be heard in blues and jazz compositions, rock, ethnic and folk music, traditionally in country style and many other musical styles.
Harmonica is very popular today
How does it work?
The harmonica is a reed musical instrument, that is, there are copper reeds inside that vibrate in an air stream, creating sound. The main difference between the harmonica and other reed musical instruments is the use of the tongue and lips instead of the keyboard. The tongue and lips are used to select a special hole that corresponds to a specific note. A musician who plays the harmonica is called a harper.
Harmonic structure diagram
Types of harmonicas
If you decide to master this musical instrument, then you need to decide what kind of harmonica you need to purchase. There are several varieties that differ from each other. How? Let's figure it out.
The diatonic harmonica is the most popular variety of this instrument because it can play music in almost any musical style. Its sound is very rich and “thick”.
This type of harmonica has a diatonic scale without semitones. For comparison, you can imagine a piano whose keyboard has only white keys. Thus, you need to master certain techniques in order to play it well. Diatonic harmonicas have a range of 1 to 4 octaves. This is the instrument that is best suited for learning and is simply ideal for playing blues music.
Chromatic harmonic
Chromatic harmonicas, unlike diatonic harmonicas, allow you to play all 12 notes in an octave, including semitones. That is, again drawing an analogy with the piano, you play all the keys - both black and white.
It's more difficult to learn to play. For example, for playing complex musical works on the chromatic harmonica, it is important to have good skill in playing the diatonic harmonica, musical education and the ability to sight read notes.
The chromatic harmonica allows only solo performance of all notes of the scale within three octaves (including semitones). It is the ability to accurately hit single notes that has made this type of harmonica one of the favorite instruments of jazz performers.
Chromatic harmonics combine two harmonics in one housing, switching between them is carried out using a special button located on one side of the instrument. By blowing air into the holes of the harmonica, you get clean, full notes. By pressing the button, you cut off the air supply to certain channels, including midtones.
A blues harmonica usually has ten holes, each of which can be played either inhaled or exhaled. Instruments of this type can be played chromatically using special techniques - blowing and bending.
Tremolo harmonica
A tremolo harmonica has two sound plates that sound simultaneously, slightly out of tune with each other, thereby creating a tremolo effect. There are two reeds for each note, resulting in a richer sound.
Tremolo harmonica
This harmonica is quite simple, and it is very easy for almost anyone to learn to play with even minimal musical abilities. But we must remember this type quite limited in capabilities due to missing notes. On the tremolo harmonica you can play simple children's melodies, Russian and Ukrainian folk songs, other compositions. Tremolo harmonica allows you to interpret melodies more emotionally, creating a full-bodied sound.
Octave harmonic
An octave harmonica is a type of diatonic harmonica and consists of two sound plates that sound simultaneously and are tuned exactly an octave relative to each other. This gives greater volume and a different timbre to the sound.
Octave harmonic
Bass harmonica
In a bass harmonica, each hole plays only on exhalation; for each note there are two sound plates, tuned to an octave.
Bass harmonica
Chord harmonica
The chord harmonica consists of two movably fixed plates, the double reeds of which are tuned to the octave. It has notes for both exhalation and inhalation, which allows you to use different chords.
Choosing a Harmonica
If you decide to learn to play the harmonica, then you need to approach the choice of instrument with the utmost seriousness. Let us outline several points that you should pay attention to when choosing.
Harmonica type. First of all, you need to decide what style you plan to play and how often you will play music. The type of instrument and its class (student or professional) depend on this.
Reed material. This criterion directly affects the durability of the tool. For example, the HOHNER and SUZUKI companies use copper reeds in their harmonicas, and the SEYDEL company was the first to use steel reeds in its instruments, which do not go out of tune longer and are more durable.
Key. Harmonicas come in different keys; beginning musicians should choose an instrument in the key of “C major” (marked “C”), when blowing air into the first three holes of the harmonica will give you a “C major” chord. It is in this key that it is easiest to master the basic techniques and skills, but then it will be easy to play on everyone else. It is also worth noting that almost all tutorials for playing the harmonica are written in the key of “C major”. For playing blues music, instruments with “E and A major” tunings (marked “E” and “A”, respectively) are preferable. Professional performers use several harmonicas, each of which has its own tonality and scale, because even the most advanced model is not capable of providing both major and minor sounds.
Checking the tool. In a musical instrument store you need to check the harmonica and “blow out” it. To do this, you can use special furs, if available in the store. Check each hole for inhalation and exhalation, making sure all notes are heard. At the same time, pay attention to possible additional sounds in the form of ringing and whistling. Also, at low tones, the reeds can hit the harmonica lid and make a characteristic ringing sound.
Workmanship. Due to their enormous popularity and availability, harmonicas are often of low quality; they can be found almost everywhere as a souvenir or children's toy. Therefore, it is better to choose a harmonica in musical instrument stores. For example, manufacturers such as HOHNER (Germany), STAGG (Belgium), SUZUKI (Japan) produce a wide range of high-quality harmonicas: from the simplest (student) to elite models made of noble wood and durable metal. At the same time, student models differ from professional ones mainly in the materials used.
Overlay shape. If you want a harmonica that will be comfortable for your playing style, then you should think about the shape of the pickguards. For example, the pickguards on the "LEE OSKAR" and "HERING BLUES" harmonicas are well suited for tongue blocking, while the "GOLDEN MELODY" and "SUZUKI" harmonicas " - lips.
Volume. The volume of the instrument is determined by the shape of the pads, response time and air permeability. Accordions with a plastic body have less air permeability. The characteristics of wood are constantly changing due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Technique of playing the harmonica
To play the harmonica, you need to master three basic tongue and lip placement techniques: whistling, u-blocking, and tongue blocking.
Correct hand position when playing the harmonica
The simplest of them is the whistling technique, which is usually how one begins to learn, but it is limiting. With this playing technique, you need to purse your lips as you do when whistling, then hold your lips on one hole in the accordion and direct the air flow there.
The U-blocking technique involves curling your tongue into a U shape, with the left and right sides of the tongue blocking the outermost holes.
When blocking with your tongue, you must use your tongue and lips. This is the most popular technique as it allows you to easily change from note to chord.
This is how a musician should hold a harmonica
For a beginner, it is better to start with playing chords slowly and stick to diaphragmatic breathing. Then you can move on to melodies, which are best “taken” by ear from professional recordings. It will be extremely useful to learn several melodies from notes, play to the backing track, record and listen to your own playing. Choose, learn, play, and you will definitely succeed!
Double-reed tremolos and octave harmonicas are good for playing traditional dance tunes, including polkas, Scottish tunes, waltzes, and other types of tunes based on traditional styles such as Celtic, French-Canadian, Scandinavian and American. Although blues diatonics and chromatics dominate the world, historically and throughout the world, two-reed harmonicas (mostly tremolos) are the most widely used. When playing such harmonicas, different techniques were used to perform various melodies, but the most suitable turned out to be blocking the sound holes with the tongue, which resulted in a kind of accompaniment from chords. In this way, rhythmicity, completeness and harmony of the melodies were achieved, and no other accompaniment was required. This is a completely suitable method for playing.
Tongue lock
To do this, you need to take the harmonica into your lips and close the sound holes with the tip of your tongue so that through the hole with right side one note was played from the tongue. Once you get used to playing single notes in this way, chords for accompaniment will be created by releasing the holes blocked by the tongue in time with the music. Tongue locking makes certain effects available, such as octave and other intervals. This method is also used on all diatonic harmonicas. The sound when played with tongue locking is reminiscent of playing an accordion, with the melody on the right and the accompanying chords on the left.
Tremolo and octave harmonics
In principle, these are the same as standard diatonic harmonicas, but when each note is played, two reeds play in the hole. On octave harmonicas, these two reeds are tuned to the same note, but one octave apart, resulting in a fuller sound. On tremolos, one of the reeds is tuned slightly higher than the other, resulting in a “tremolo” effect, the sound is fuller than on a standard diatonic harmonica. In appearance, most octave and tremolo harmonics have some differences from diatonic ones. Instead of one row of 10 holes, they have 2 rows (1 row for inhaled notes and 1 row for exhaled notes) of 20 or more holes. In other words, two-reed harmonicas have 4 times more holes than single-reed harmonicas.
Because there are more holes, the notes are positioned farther outward than on a standard 10-hole harmonica, and playing requires more horizontal movement than a standard harmonica. This means that when you play chords you have to make do with fewer notes per chord. For example, on a diatonic harmonica in the key of C, you can play a 3-4-5 (B-D-F) chord while inhaling, this is a G7 chord, but on a two-reed harmonica you get only D-F, which can sound like Dm or F6. Therefore, many of the tunes played on a double-reed harmonica will sound slightly different (maybe more neutral) than those played on a single-reed harmonica, but this will be compensated by the fuller sound due to the additional reeds.
Tuning two reed harmonics
The tuning system for the two reed harmonicas is based on the so-called Richter system, which is used to tune the standard “Marine Band,” a 10-hole diatonic harmonica. But there are also options. Octaves and tremolos with the key C often neglect the lower C - the lowest note is E, this is not a malfunction or defect because the lower octave is more often used for playing chords than for playing melody.
Many tremolos released in Asia (probably the most commonly found harmonicas in the world) use a slightly different tuning system. On these “Oriental tremolos” the bottom octave is very similar to the middle octave of the standard Richter system. As a result of this, in the upper octave, adjacent notes played while inhaling and exhaling begin to be distorted, which requires certain skills in playing. Another system is used in instruments from Huang. The tuning is the same as the chromatic harmonica but with double C notes on the exhale in each octave.
Huang Musette 16, key C
| First octave | Second octave | Third octave | |||||||||||||||
| Note | G | A | C | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | C | D | E | F | |
| exhalation 5 inhale6 |
5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | |
| 5 double 5 C | 5 double 5 C | ||||||||||||||||
Huang Musette 24 and Chthedral Concert, key C
| First octave | Second octave | Third octave | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B |
| exhale 5 inhale 6 |
5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 5 double 5 C | 5 double 5 C | |||||||||||||||||||||||
In addition to the note grid, two-reed harmonicas differ in another aspect of tuning. Most Western manufacturers (Hohner, Hering) use the “euphony” system. The notes are adjusted so that they form good sounding chords. But sometimes individual notes may not match similar notes played on another instrument, for example the note F on a C harmonica. This note is tuned to the G7 chord for harmonica. Playing an F chord on a guitar or piano in this case It doesn’t matter, it will sound inexpressive and blurry. On the harmonica, all notes in the diatonic series are in harmony with either a C chord (all notes played on the exhale) or a G, G7 or G9 chord (all notes played on the breath).
Asian manufacturers (Suzuki, Huang) are leaning towards balance. As a result, single notes are more accurate, but the chords sound less pleasant and more clear and strong. One last aspect of tuning the harmonic tremolo. Western manufacturers place the double reeds far apart, which produces audible and fast vibrations (also called a “damp” tremolo). Asian manufacturers use a “dry” tremolo, the reeds are located close to each other, which gives slower vibrations.
Octave and tremolo harmonicas come in different keys, and each has its own sound and characteristics. Standard single-reed diatonics are available in all keys, from low G to high F. The note for C and D diatonic tunings is very high for Octave harmonics, so when tuning, reeds are added an octave lower. On the other hand, for octave harmonics with key G, reeds an octave higher are taken. Also, C and D tremolo instruments are tuned an octave lower than standard single-reed harmonicas. Therefore, an octave harmonica with a C key and a tremolo with a G key are very suitable for beginners.
Tables of the location of notes on some harmonics
Hohner Tremolo – Echo 2209, 2309, 2409, 2509, 54, 55, 56, 57, 8362,
Goliath 453, Weekender 98.115, 98.114
Huang Tremolo (slightly different from Hohner) – Frontier Harp 24, Frontier Harp 16, Musette 4, Musette 6
Hohner Octave models – Echo 1493, 1494, 1495, 1496. Comet 2503, 2504, 3427.
Model with 30 holes, key C (Hohner 57)
| Note | C | D | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | G | D | C | F | E | A | G | B |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Models with 24 holes, key C (Hohner 453, 56, 2509, 53, 53-6, 1496)
| Note | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | G | D | C | F |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Huang 24 Hole Models, Key C – Frontier 24, Musette 4, and Musette 6
| Note | G | D | C | F | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | B | G | F | C | A | E | B |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Models with 2O holes, key C (Hohner 1495, 3427, 2504)
| Note | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Models with 2O holes, key C (Hohner 2409, 55, 98.115)
| Note | C | D | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Models with 16 holes, key C (Hohner 1493, 2309, 2503, 8362, 54, 98.114)
| Note | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Huang Model 16 Hole, Key C – Frontier Harp 16
| Note | E | A | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Models with 14 holes, key C (Hohner 1494, 2209)
| Note | E | G | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D |
| resp. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| vyd. 5 inhale6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Arrangement of notes on Suzuki tremolo harmonicas
(the first note on 21-hole harmonicas is played on the inhale) Two Timers are available with C and A keys.
Humming Tremolos are available in C, C#, A, G, D, Am, Gm, and Dm keys.
Suzuki Two Timer (SU-21) and Humming Tremolo (SU-21H) – Key C
| Note | D | C | F | E | A | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| Blow 5Draw6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Suzuki Humming Tremolo (SU-21) key A minor
| Note | B | A | D | C | F | E | G# | A | B | C | D | E | F | A | G# | C | B | E | D | A | F |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| Blow 5Draw6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Suzuki Two Timer SU-24 – key C
| Note | G | D | C | F | E | A | G | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Blow 5Draw6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Note placement for HERING octaves and tremolos
| Model |
KEY |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
| 6892/32 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | ||||||||
| 79/40 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | ||||
| 7328/40 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | ||||
| 79/48 | C | C | D | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | G | D |
| 7962/48 | E | E | F# | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | B | A | E | Db | Ab | Eb | B | F# |
| 83/32 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | ||||||||
| 83/40 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | ||||
| 83/48 | C | C | D | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | G | D |
| 83/80 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | ||||
| “ | G | G | A | B | D | D | F# | G4 | A | B | C | D | E | G | F# | B | A | D | C | G | E | ||||
| 83/96 | C | C | D | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | E | D | G | F | C | A | E | B | G | D |
| “ | G | B | D | D | F# | G | A | B4 | C | D | E | G | F# | B | A | D | C | G | E | B | F# | D | A | G | C |
| 87/32 | E | E | F# | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | ||||||||
| 87/40 | E | E | F# | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | B | A | E | Db | ||||
| 87/48 | E | E | F# | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | B | A | E | Db | Ab | Eb | B | F# |
| 89/64 | Bb | D | F | F | A | Bb | C | D4 | Eb | F | G | Bb | A | D | C | F | Eb | ||||||||
| “ | F | A | C | C4 | E | F | G | A | Bb | C | D | F | E | A | G | C | Bb | ||||||||
| 72/24 | C | E | G | G | B | C4 | D | E | F | G | A | C | B | ||||||||||||
| 76/64 | A | A | B | Db | E | E4 | Ab | A | B | Db | D | E | F# | A | Ab | Db | B | ||||||||
| “ | E | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | B | A | ||||||||
| 76/80 | A | A | B | Db | E | E4 | Ab | A | B | Db | D | E | F# | A | Ab | Db | B | E | D | A | F# | ||||
| “ | E | Ab | B | B | Eb | E4 | F# | Ab | A | B | Db | E | Eb | Ab | F# | B | A | E | Db | Ab | Eb | ||||
| 383/48 | A | A | B | Db | E | E | Ab | A | B | Db | D | E4 | F# | A | Ab | Db | B | E | D | A | F# | Db | Ab | D | E |