Recommended Harmonica Types
Just started beginner lesson on this website and the two harmonicas recommended are the Hohner Special 20's and the Hohner Crossover. The ones I have already are a Lee Oskar in C and a Hohner Golden Melody in A (which is where I got the recommendation for the bluesharmonica.com site). I've read the Crossover is a step above these; however, it seems that the Golden Melody gets better press among harmonica players than the Special 20. If I cannot afford a Crossover yet for my beginning harp lessons, is the Golden Melody sufficient; or would you still recommend the Special 20 instead?
Thanks - Mike
Hello David,
I am brand new to harmonica playing, & knowing nothing different & Googled suggestions on what kind of harmonica was best for beginners. I found a lot of consensus on getting one tuned in C, so $45 later I am the proud owner of a Hohner Blues Harp MC in C. I was very pleased to see that with my purchase I get a free 30 days of lessons on your site!
Question though, in your intro you suggest getting a bunch of different harmonicas tuned to different keys, & the first few lessons seem to be using one tuned to A. As I don't have a lot of cash to buy a bunch of different harmonicas, will I be able to go through your series OK with my one harmonica only, in C?
Regards,
Scott B.
Welcome to the site Scott. You can get started with the C here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson, but after that you'll want to pick up an A Harmonica (it's the most common harmonica used in blues). Best wishes on your studies.
Thank You very much David. To clarify, is an A harmonica required to participate in the Levels of Achievement Program (can't use my C)?
Regards,
Scott B.
Correct, you cannot participate in LOA unless you have an A Harmonica. You COULD use software like the Amazing Slow Downer to change the key of all of the music you play to match your C Harmonica, but the software costs more than a harmonica, so it makes sense just to buy the A.
There is a free software in App Store, similar to Amazing slow downer. irehearse. I use it and it's very nice.
Great, thanks for the suggestion.
iRehearse Plus I should say
Welcome to the site Mike, both those harmonicas are good, you're fine. Enjoy your studies.