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Forums :: Tip of the Day

Why does BluesHarmonica.com use the “A” harmonica for the majority of its instruction?

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Thu, 10/22/2015 - 08:26
David Barrett Admin
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Head InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 11/30/2009

The A harmonica is by far the most common harmonica used in blues. If you were to go to a jam session or sit in at a buddy’s gig, the harmonica you would throw in your pocket would no doubt be the A harmonica.

The harmonica that you first learn will be the key of harmonica you’ll be most comfortable playing for a while, so it’s beneficial to have your “go-to harp” be the common A harmonica.

It’s especially helpful to use the A harmonica when learning the important technique of bending. If students first learn how to bend on a high-keyed harmonica, such as the C harmonica, they often struggle when trying to play the more common lower-keyed harmonicas like G, A and Bb.

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