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Forums :: General Discussion

Use of C Harmonica for the lesson

4 replies [Last post]
Sat, 09/29/2018 - 03:48
g2pmoto@gmail.com
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Joined: 09/29/2018

Hi! I am new just entered in this site and forum.

My knowdledge of harmonica is zero, I've never played it, but I would like to learn how to use.

I saw in the first lesson is suggested to use an "A" type.

I bought a "C" diatonic harmonica, (Hohner 360).

Is it ok too to learn?

many thanks.

Giovanni

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Sun, 09/30/2018 - 21:34
#1
Expert Winslow Yerxa
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Joined: 01/16/2010
You will need an A harmonica

You can learn using any key of harmonica. However, unless you use the required key, what you play will be in the wrong key for the examples and the backing track, and it will be very confusing, as if you were saying the right words in the wrong language.

You will need an A harmonica.

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Sun, 10/28/2018 - 22:29
#2
cyrilcuba
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Joined: 10/28/2018
Should we buy them all?

i have the same issue. I’m a pianist, I have perfect pitch  and hearing you in a different key is killing me!!!,! I don’t even do the backgrounds, I just hear you and then practice it in silence. 

So my question is, how many of them should we buy? Only A? 

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Sat, 11/10/2018 - 17:52
#3
jjudson
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Joined: 12/23/2009
Cyril, the big five will get

Cyril, the big five will get you started: G, A, B-Flat, C, and D. Later you would add E and F and maybe some low harps (unless you're like me and start collecting the damn things across several brands, models, and keys). My wife says if she slips on another harmonica in the house, she's going to hammer them flat and send them C.O.D. to David.

There is a tool that David recommends, however, that can allow you to play jam tracks in a different key. This is the Amazing Slow Downer app. This app is indispensible for a new player (and a seasoned one, too). You can change the speed of a track without altering the pitch, and you can change the pitch as well from -12 semitones to +12 semitones. It works pretty well and allows you to play in key with a limited number of harps.

A word of advice: When you start adding harps to your collection, get a case. There's nothing that will make you madder than seeing your puppy with a $90 harp clenched between her teeth. Apparently, expensive harps make great chew toys.

Good luck!

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Sat, 11/10/2018 - 19:39
#4
Sarkhanmad
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Joined: 09/22/2018
jjudson is right. You don't

jjudson is right. You don't need an A.

 

You need a G, A, B-Flat, C, and D.

If you buy multiples from rockinrons. You get a discount.

 

P.S.  Get 2 A's

 

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