Blues Chromatic

When you first pick up the chromatic, you may find the notes balky and unresponsive.

Try breathing gently and deeply, and float the notes out.

As you get the hang of chromatic reed response, you can strengthen your attack and play more aggressively.

I had the chance to play one of these the other day and thought it was sweet. Anybody using one? Got any insights or feedback?

David, I am beginning now at your tongue blocking video with Joe. He seems to be a really quick learner. Thus one uses his tongue to block holes 1,2 & 3 to get a clear 4th or C. My question is about moving up and down a simple scale. Does one tongue block for a C and then draw on the three holes for a chord for the next step and progress to up and back in the same fashion. Most interesting. Thanks Ron

Hello all. I have just purchased a Hohner Chromatic. I'm lost trying to find the BASIC beginner lessons. I can play simple songs on my diatonic./Thanks ron0

I have a Hohner Chromonica 64 which I took apart for cleaning. The clear little bushing/fasteners that sit in the comb which hold the screws for the mouth plate are mangled and won't hold it tight. Where can I get some replacements? Do I need to contact Hohner or is it something I might find at a local hardware store?

HI I have a Hohner CX 12 ,what is the best way to warm it up before playing ,I place it on my computer and this seems ok but the CX 12 has a big metal bar at the back that gets cold ,would a heating pad that you heat in a microwave be ok.
Thanks Ron

Has anyone tried a Seydel Chromatic Standard 12 Hole 'C'? I can't afford anything more expensive at the moment and for a chromatic, these seem pretty reasonable (about £50 in the UK). Do they play well? Are they up to the job? Would I be better leaving it till I can afford something better?

The chromatics most often played in blues are the 16-hole "64" in C, with a four-octave range, and the three-octave 12-hole chromatic, which comes in several keys besides C.

I'm curious about whether anyone has tried playing 14-hole chromatics. They're a bit easier to cup that those big 16-holers, and have more low-end range than the 12-holers, which is nice when you're going for big, growling, chordal textures in third position. continue reading...

Hi I have a problem with my new Hohner cx12 I had a sticking 1 hole blow and managed to file the end of the reed so it,s ok but I must have upset the 1 hole draw as all I get is the windsaver rattling,any help would be nice.
Thanks Ron

When practicing I do warm my chromatic up before playing, but it seems when I practice too much spit from my tb is getting into the harmonica making the windsavers moist and stick.
What can I do to prevent from that. Does it mean I have to open up the chromatic every time or do I just let it dry?