[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Harmonica question

Posted: 6/8/2008 4:04:55 PM EDT

Is there a standard key for harmonicas? I want to get one that sounds like the one in this video if someone can help me out with the key.

Thanks, Monte.

Posted: 6/8/2008 5:19:12 PM EDT

[#1]

I dunno, that's the thing about fixed pitch instruments. I've seen complete sets of harmonicas sold in the Musician's Friend catalog in all different keys.

TC6969 blows harp, but I ain't seen him in a while, he'd probably know for sure.

Posted: 6/12/2008 10:08:38 AM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:
Is there a standard key for harmonicas?

There is not. Basic info here.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

Posted: 6/12/2008 10:36:13 AM EDT

[#3]

Song is in G.

Harps come in all keys; A, B, C, D, E, F, and G and then the sharps/flats/etc of each key. You can find almost any key, but the natural keys of A, C, D, E, F, & G are all you will probably need. Most harmonicas you find places are in C because it's a medium tone and scale. Beginners usually start with C. If you're gonna buy another key other than C, might as well buy a whole set. C,G & F will get you pretty far though.

Posted: 6/12/2008 5:03:45 PM EDT

[#4]

Thanks everyone. I'll try a C key first.

Posted: 9/3/2008 2:58:30 PM EDT

[#5]

That sound can come from (almost) any 10 hole harp.

Its the style he's playing it in that makes it sound like that.

Its like the difference between violin and fiddle. Same instrument, Vastly different sound.

Posted: 9/3/2008 4:35:08 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
That sound can come from (almost) any 10 hole harp.

Its the style he's playing it in that makes it sound like that.

Its like the difference between violin and fiddle. Same instrument, Vastly different sound.

Holy crap dude, where you been hiding? Haven't seen you in forever and a year.

Posted: 9/4/2008 6:29:39 PM EDT

[#7]

IIRC, when me and the rest of the band were in the key of "A", then the harp player had to use a "D" harp. Or vice versa.....it's either 4 up or 4 down from the actual key of the song.

Posted: 9/5/2008 3:48:44 PM EDT

[#8]

To play blues style or cross harp, you need a harp up a 4th from the root or 1.

If the tune is in E, you'll need an A harp.. and so on.. provided for the most part you are playing a I-IV- V type thing. Draw on Holes 3 and 4 that's the root.

Get a good harp.. Lee Oskar is the way to go.. last long time and replaceable reeds.

Hohners are Ok.... but can die pretty quickly, if you really get down on bends.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Harmonica question

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Harmonica question

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Harmonica question