This instrument produces musical sounds from the vibration of a reed which is usually in a frame as air passes through it. It is mainly played by the mouth and tongue, where the air is blown through some holes with reeds. The canes are made in such a way that they produce different sounds and tunes. This is made possible by adjusting the lengths of the reeds and either tightening or loosening them.
A harmonica is a widely known musical instrument used by musicians in almost all genres, including jazz, pop, and Afro-music. It is an exciting instrument, and many people dread learning how to play it. Most cultures have embraced it and made adjustments, but its principle of air and sound is still maintained. This determines whether the music will be loud, low, sharp, faint or loud. This determines whether the theme will be loud, soft, strong, quiet or loud. This determines whether the theme will be loud, soft, strong, quiet or loud. It was first created in Europe and Asia before it was introduced to other places of the world.
Below are a few steps that a beginner can use to learn how to play the harmonica:
1. Choose the type of harmonica you want to learn
It is possible for everyone to learn how to play all types of harmonica at a go, especially if you are just starting. The kinds of harmonica have different ways of using them, and purchasing them differs too. One must choose the type that best fits their ability and financial capability. They come in different designs, and decisions must be carefully thought through, as there is no room for regrets. Learning how to play the harmonica can take a lot of time and effort; this should be a choice from a person’s heart. The common types of harmonicas are:-
- Diatonic harmonica: It is the most commonly used and cheaper. It plays on a specific key which is unchangeable and is mainly used in pop and blues types of music.
- Chromatic harmonica: This one has a mechanical tool which controls the holes that produce the sounds. They are costly to purchase. They can either play on a single note or various records depending on the number of holes the harmonica has. The amount varies from 10 -16, the highest having even more tunes. Jazz musicians prefer it because they can use a single harmonica to play any desired key.
- Tremelo-tuned harmonica: This type has its own distinguishing feature that makes it unique: two reeds per tone. The two reds are different as one is sharp than the other. The two reeds help create an irregular beat that most pop musicians opt for.
- Orchestral harmonicas: They are designed to be used in ensemble playing. They are eight kinds, with the most common of them all being horn harmonicas. This kind has a single comb with a blowing part on the top and bottom, like a horn with two opens.
Learn and understand how the harmonica works
The harmonica uses brass reeds which separate the air to create different tones. These reeds need to be replaced as often as they wear out. The user is advised to be gentle with them so they don’t spoil as fast. The holes in the harmonica are indicated with a number from low to high.
2. Start with the basic techniques
Try blowing through any hole of your choice. Do this continuously and try blowing into three tunnels. This should harmonise and produce a better sound. Using the tongue to block other holes while blowing is slowly learnt. The different approach is called the pucker method. This one needs the lips to be relaxed when starting and then pushed inwards until a bright note is heard. Breathe in and out to change records in between the playing. Breathing in and out allows you to access all the signs for which the specific harmonica is tuned.
3. Practice
Practice makes perfect. The more you keep playing and trying new things, the more comfortable you become. Pick some straightforward short songs and try playing along with them. This will give you absolute complete control over the harmonica. All these tunes are found online, plus their tutorials. You can access them and do more practice on your own and in your free time. Bending is another thing that needs practising in the harmonica. It is hard, but it gets comfortable with time. This is done at a much more professional level after all the basics have been learnt and perfected. Bending helps the player to change the pitch, and it is all about the positioning and shaping of the mouth when inhaling. This can be found online with detailed prescriptions and tutorial videos that explain further. Since it is pretty hard, experienced people are the ones who are recommended to try bending harmonicas.
4. Pay for lessons
Sometimes after following the above steps, you might still not feel contended. A trained person will sharpen any skills you have learnt earlier. The positive results will be seen faster. A combination of a teacher and personal guides makes perfect end results. Try as much as possible to meet the teacher's requirementsvate yourself all through. Put in the extra efforts needed and be flexible and open to new ideas. Sticking to whatever is in the books and not allowing change reduces the chances of growth. Compare notes on the acquired skills with your colleagues and always help each over out. The lessons will help you learn how to skip holes while playing. Some songs require you to jump a gap or two to reach the intended note, and this needs to be taught by a professional. The proper guidance from a harmonic expert will help you ace it fast.
As a harmonica beginner, you must equip yourself with songs and performances by harmonica's best players. Alternatively, you can also start using some music-making apps like Garageband and practice playing the harmonica. This will help you know what to expect and set a bar for you to aim at. This will be a model of motivation and will keep you pushing no matter how rough it might get.
