subject: Music Lessons - Harmonicas: French Harps With International Appeal [print this page] The harmonica, also recognized as the French harp, is a little wind instrument held in hand while playing. It could be played by inhaling and exhaling through several air slots. Kids love playing these simply because they're simple to learn and supply fun entertainment and lively music. Also, harmonicas are little so they are able to easily be carried in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Several adults adore them for these same reasons!
Probably the most common key on the harmonica is C. Harmonicas that are played in the Appalachian South only play a diatonic scale, but not chromatic intervals that are in between diatonic scale tones. Therefore, these harmonicas are usually sold in numerous models based on keys. For instance, there are G-harmonicas, D-harmonicas, C-harmonicas, and so forth.
Harmonica Construction and Sound
In the past, harmonicas were generally created of wood. These days, many harmonicas are constructed from injection-molded plastic. You will find also high-end harmonicas which are built from metal alloys, silver, or Lucite. The harmonica's sound is often based on the materials it's created of, with each material giving its own distinctive sound. For instance, blues harps or marine band harps are made of soft wood that resists moisture and create a rich, unique sound.
A diatonic major harp is the most common type of harmonica. It has all of the "Major Scale" notes such as C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The chromatic harmonica has the same notes as the diatonic major harp, but with a half-step in between every main note.
Common brand names of harmonicas include Hohner, Hering, Suzuki, Bushman, Lee Oskar, and BTI. Tremolo and octave harmonicas are offered by Hohner. Various styles of orchestral harmonicas are also available for those who perform with orchestras.
The stunning music that flows from the harmonica can never be matched. Harmonicas are so diverse that they could be performed alone while sitting on a porch swing, at a family gathering for singing and fun, or in a professional concert. They can be performed around the world no matter what the country. These hand-held instruments bring joy to any setting!
