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Double-reed tremolos and octave harmonicas are good for playing traditional dance tunes, including polkas, Scottish melodies, waltzes, other types of melodies based on traditional styles, such as Celtic, French-Canadian, Scandinavian and American. Although blues diatonics and chromatics dominate the world, historically and throughout the world, two-reed harmonicas (mostly tremolos) are the most widely used. When playing such harmonics they used different techniques performing various melodies, but the most suitable was blocking the sound holes with the tongue, resulting in a kind of accompaniment of chords. In this way, rhythmicity, completeness and harmony of the melodies were achieved, and no other accompaniment was required. This is a completely suitable method for playing.

Tongue lock

To do this, you need to take the harmonica into your lips and close the sound holes with the tip of your tongue so that one note is played through the hole on the right side of the tongue. Once you get used to playing single notes in this way, chords for accompaniment will be created by releasing the holes blocked by the tongue in time with the music. Tongue locking makes certain effects available, such as octave and other intervals. This method is also used on all diatonic harmonicas. The sound when played with tongue locking is reminiscent of playing an accordion, with the melody on the right and the accompanying chords on the left.

Tremolo and octave harmonics

In principle, these are the same as standard diatonic harmonicas, but when each note is played, two reeds play in the hole. On octave harmonicas, these two reeds are tuned to the same note, but one octave apart, resulting in a fuller sound. On tremolos, one of the reeds is tuned slightly higher than the other, resulting in a “tremolo” effect, the sound is fuller than on a standard diatonic harmonica. In appearance, most octave and tremolo harmonics have some differences from diatonic ones. Instead of one row of 10 holes, they have 2 rows (1 row for inhaled notes and 1 row for exhaled notes) of 20 or more holes. In other words, two-reed harmonicas have 4 times more holes than single-reed harmonicas.

Because there are more holes, the notes are positioned farther outward than on a standard 10-hole harmonica, and playing requires more horizontal movement than a standard harmonica. This means that when you play chords you have to make do with fewer notes per chord. For example, on a diatonic harmonica in the key of C, you can play a 3-4-5 (B-D-F) chord while inhaling, this is a G7 chord, but on a two-reed harmonica you get only D-F, which can sound like Dm or F6. Therefore, many of the tunes played on a double-reed harmonica will sound slightly different (maybe more neutral) than those played on a single-reed harmonica, but this will be compensated by the fuller sound due to the additional reeds.

Tuning two reed harmonics

The tuning system for the two reed harmonicas is based on the so-called Richter system, which is used to tune the standard “Marine Band,” a 10-hole diatonic harmonica. But there are also options. Octaves and tremolos with the key C often neglect the lower C - the lowest note is E, this is not a malfunction or defect because the lower octave is more often used for playing chords than for playing melody.

Many tremolos released in Asia (probably the most commonly found harmonicas in the world) use a slightly different tuning system. On these “Eastern tremolos” the lower octave is very similar to the middle octave of the standard Richter system. As a result of this, in the upper octave, adjacent notes played while inhaling and exhaling begin to be distorted, which requires certain skills in playing. Another system is used in instruments from Huang. The tuning is the same as the chromatic harmonica but with double C notes on the exhale in each octave.

Huang Musette 16, key C

Huang Musette 24 and Chthedral Concert, key C

In addition to the note grid, two-reed harmonicas differ in another aspect of tuning. Most Western manufacturers (Hohner, Hering) use the “euphony” system. The notes are adjusted so that they form good sounding chords. But sometimes individual notes may not match similar notes played on another instrument, for example the note F on a C harmonica. This note is tuned to the G7 chord for harmonica. Playing an F chord on a guitar or piano in this case It doesn’t matter, it will sound inexpressive and blurry. On the harmonica, all notes in the diatonic series are in harmony with either a C chord (all notes played on the exhale) or a G, G7 or G9 chord (all notes played on the breath).

Asian manufacturers (Suzuki, Huang) are leaning towards balance. As a result, single notes are more accurate, but the chords sound less pleasant and more clear and strong. One last aspect of tuning the harmonic tremolo. Western manufacturers place the double reeds far apart, which produces audible and fast vibrations (also called a “damp” tremolo). Asian manufacturers use a “dry” tremolo, the reeds are located close to each other, which gives slower vibrations.

Octave and tremolo harmonicas come in different keys, and each has its own sound and characteristics. Standard single-reed diatonics are available in all keys, from low G to high F. The note for C and D diatonic tunings is very high for Octave harmonics, so when tuning, reeds are added an octave lower. On the other hand, for octave harmonics with key G, reeds an octave higher are taken. Also, C and D tremolo instruments are tuned an octave lower than standard single-reed harmonicas. Therefore, an octave harmonica with a C key and a tremolo with a G key are very suitable for beginners.

Tables of the location of notes on some harmonics

Hohner Tremolo – Echo 2209, 2309, 2409, 2509, 54, 55, 56, 57, 8362,

Goliath 453, Weekender 98.115, 98.114

Huang Tremolo (slightly different from Hohner) – Frontier Harp 24, Frontier Harp 16, Musette 4, Musette 6

Hohner Octave models – Echo 1493, 1494, 1495, 1496. Comet 2503, 2504, 3427.

Model with 30 holes, key C (Hohner 57)

Models with 24 holes, key C (Hohner 453, 56, 2509, 53, 53-6, 1496)

Huang 24 Hole Models, Key C – Frontier 24, Musette 4, and Musette 6

Models with 2O holes, key C (Hohner 1495, 3427, 2504)

Models with 2O holes, key C (Hohner 2409, 55, 98.115)

Models with 16 holes, key C (Hohner 1493, 2309, 2503, 8362, 54, 98.114)

Huang Model 16 Hole, Key C – Frontier Harp 16

Models with 14 holes, key C (Hohner 1494, 2209)

Arrangement of notes on Suzuki tremolo harmonicas

(the first note on 21-hole harmonicas is played on the inhale) Two Timers are available with C and A keys.

Humming Tremolos are available in C, C#, A, G, D, Am, Gm, and Dm keys.

Suzuki Two Timer (SU-21) and Humming Tremolo (SU-21H) – Key C

Suzuki Humming Tremolo (SU-21) key A minor

Suzuki Two Timer SU-24 – key C

Note placement for HERING octaves and tremolos

Or the harmonica is an instrument that everyone has heard before. Today it is popular due to its compactness, affordability and the ability to teach the game independently. It seems like a long time ago familiar piece when performed masterfully on the harmonica, it can sparkle with new colors. Today we will tell you everything about this tool.

History of the harmonica

Essentially, the harmonica is a Western-style wind organ. The first compact instrument appeared in 1821 thanks to the German watchmaker Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann. His invention was called “aura” and was a metal plate with fifteen slots that were closed with steel tabs. This device was more like a tuning fork; the notes in it were arranged in chromatic order and were extracted solely by exhalation.

In 1826, a master named Richter made an accordion with 20 reeds and 10 holes (separate for exhalation and inhalation), installed in a wooden cedar body. He also proposed a tuning option using a diatonic scale for everyone European instruments, called the "Mundharmonika", or wind organ, which became standard.

IN North America The harmonica appeared in 1862 thanks to Matthias Honer, and by 1879 Honer was producing up to 700 thousand instruments a year.

During the Great Depression and World War II in the 30s and 40s. twentieth century, there was a massive migration of southerners to the northern states of the United States and West Coast. It was they who brought the harmonica with them to these places.

In modern musical world The harmonica is experiencing its rebirth. The range of music styles that use its sound is expanding. Today this instrument can be heard in blues and jazz compositions, rock, ethnic and folk music, traditionally in country style and many others. musical directions.

Harmonica is very popular today

How does it work?

The harmonica is a reed musical instrument, that is, there are copper reeds inside that vibrate in an air stream, creating sound. The main difference between a harmonica and other reed harmonicas musical instruments– using the tongue and lips instead of the keyboard. The tongue and lips are used to select a special hole that corresponds to a specific note. A musician who plays the harmonica is called a harper.

Harmonic structure diagram

Types of harmonicas

If you decide to master this musical instrument, then you need to decide what kind of harmonica you need to purchase. There are several varieties that differ from each other. How? Let's figure it out.

The diatonic harmonica is the most popular variety of this instrument because it can play music in almost any musical style. Its sound is very rich and “thick”.

This type of harmonica has a diatonic scale without semitones. For comparison, you can imagine a piano whose keyboard has only white keys. Thus, you need to master certain techniques in order to play it well. Diatonic harmonicas have a range of 1 to 4 octaves. This is the instrument that is best suited for learning and is simply ideal for playing blues music.

Chromatic harmonic

Chromatic harmonicas, unlike diatonic harmonicas, allow you to play all 12 notes in an octave, including semitones. That is, again drawing an analogy with the piano, you play all the keys - both black and white.

It's more difficult to learn to play. For example, for playing complex musical works on the chromatic harmonica it is important to have good skill in playing the diatonic, musical education and be able to sight read music.

The chromatic harmonica allows only solo performance of all notes of the scale within three octaves (including semitones). It is the ability to accurately hit single notes that has made this type of harmonica one of the favorite instruments of jazz performers.

Chromatic harmonics combine two harmonics in one housing, switching between them is carried out using a special button located on one side of the instrument. By blowing air into the holes of the harmonica, you get clean, full notes. By pressing the button, you cut off the air supply to certain channels, including midtones.

A blues harmonica usually has ten holes, each of which can be played either inhaled or exhaled. Instruments of this type can be played chromatically using special techniques - blowing and bending.

Tremolo harmonica

A tremolo harmonica has two sound plates that sound simultaneously, slightly out of tune with each other, thereby creating a tremolo effect. There are two reeds for each note, resulting in a richer sound.

Tremolo harmonica

This harmonica is quite simple, and it is very easy for almost anyone to learn to play with even minimal musical abilities. But we must remember this type quite limited in capabilities due to missing notes. On the tremolo harmonica you can play simple children's melodies, Russian and Ukrainian folk songs, other compositions. Tremolo harmonica allows you to interpret melodies more emotionally, creating a full-bodied sound.

Octave harmonic

An octave harmonica is a type of diatonic harmonica and consists of two sound plates that sound simultaneously and are tuned exactly an octave relative to each other. This gives greater volume and a different timbre to the sound.

Octave harmonic

Bass harmonica

In a bass harmonica, each hole plays only on exhalation; for each note there are two sound plates, tuned to an octave.

Bass harmonica

Chord harmonica

The chord harmonica consists of two movably fixed plates, the double reeds of which are tuned to the octave. It has notes for both exhalation and inhalation, which allows you to use different chords.

Choosing a Harmonica

If you decide to learn to play the harmonica, then you need to approach the choice of instrument with the utmost seriousness. Let us outline several points that you should pay attention to when choosing.

Harmonica type. First of all, you need to decide what style you plan to play and how often you will play music. The type of instrument and its class (student or professional) depend on this.

Reed material. This criterion directly affects the durability of the tool. For example, the HOHNER and SUZUKI companies use copper reeds in their harmonicas, and the SEYDEL company was the first to use steel reeds in its instruments, which do not go out of tune longer and are more durable.

Key. Harmonicas come in different keys; beginning musicians should choose an instrument in the key of “C major” (marked “C”), when blowing air into the first three holes of the harmonica will give you a “C major” chord. It is in this key that it is easiest to master the basic techniques and skills, but then it will be easy to play on everyone else. It is also worth noting that almost all tutorials on playing the harmonica are written in the key of “C major”. For playing blues music, instruments with “E and A major” tunings (marked “E” and “A”, respectively) are preferable. Professional performers They use several harmonics, each of which has its own tonality and mode, because even the most advanced model is not capable of providing both major and minor sounds.

Checking the tool. You need to check at the musical instrument store harmonica, “blow out” it. To do this, you can use special furs, if available in the store. Check each hole for inhalation and exhalation, making sure all notes are heard. At the same time, pay attention to possible additional sounds in the form of ringing and whistling. Also, at low tones, the reeds can hit the harmonica lid and make a characteristic ringing sound.

Workmanship. Due to their enormous popularity and availability, harmonicas often have low quality, they can be found almost everywhere as a souvenir or children's toy. Therefore, it is better to choose a harmonica in musical instrument stores. For example, manufacturers such as HOHNER (Germany), STAGG (Belgium), SUZUKI (Japan) produce a wide range of high-quality harmonicas: from the simplest (student) to elite models made of noble wood and durable metal. At the same time, student models differ from professional ones mainly in the materials used.

Overlay shape. If you want a harmonica that will be comfortable for your playing style, then you should think about the shape of the pickguards. For example, the pickguards on the "LEE OSKAR" and "HERING BLUES" harmonicas are well suited for tongue blocking, while the "GOLDEN MELODY" and "SUZUKI" harmonicas " - lips.

Volume. The volume of the instrument is determined by the shape of the pads, response time and air permeability. Accordions with a plastic body have less air permeability. The characteristics of wood are constantly changing due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Technique of playing the harmonica

To play the harmonica, you need to master three basic tongue and lip placement techniques: whistling, u-blocking, and tongue blocking.

Correct hand position when playing the harmonica

The simplest of them is the whistling technique, which is usually how one begins to learn, but it is limiting. With this playing technique, you need to purse your lips as you do when whistling, then hold your lips on one hole in the accordion and direct the air flow there.

The U-blocking technique involves curling your tongue into a U shape, with the left and right sides of the tongue blocking the outermost holes.

When blocking with your tongue, you must use your tongue and lips. This is the most popular technique as it allows you to easily change from note to chord.

This is how a musician should hold a harmonica

For a beginner, it is better to start practicing slowly with chords and stick to diaphragmatic breathing. Then you can move on to melodies, which are best “taken” by ear from professional recordings. It will be extremely useful to learn several melodies from notes, play to the backing track, record and listen to your own playing. Choose, learn, play, and you will definitely succeed!

Before purchasing your first harmonica, you will need to decide what type of harmonica you are going to learn to play.

There are different types of harmonicas. This is mainly due to the fact that to perform various pieces, a certain harmonica system (arrangement of notes) is required in which it is convenient to play this piece. For example, if you are going to play blues or country, a blues diatonic will suit you. If it's jazz or classical, you need chromatics. The tremolo harmonica is friends with the Russian folk. If you are going to accompany a group, then perhaps a chord or bass harmonica is suitable for you.

The result is something like this:

Blues harmonica
The blues harmonica is the most popular today. Usually it has 10 holes, each of which can be played by inhaling. draw) and exhale (eng. blow). With certain playing skills, you can play chromatically using special techniques - bends and blows. Sold in different keys and tunings, but the most common is C major.

Chromatic harmonica
The chromatic harmonica (“chrome”, “chromatic”) makes it possible to play chromatically (i.e. use all notes) without using special techniques. As a rule, a button (“slider”, “valve”) is used for this, when pressed, the notes shift by a semitone in one direction or another, but there are also chromatic harmonics without a slider, for example, bass harmonics, or chords. The number of holes is usually 12-16. Big size and the presence of a button allows most instruments to be visually distinguished from other types of harmonics. Most often used in musical styles such as blues, jazz, pop and classical.
The button chromatic was invented by the German company Hohner, apparently based on the diatonic blues harmonica in the early 20th century, with the first models appearing around 1910.

Tremolo harmonica
In a tremolo harmonica, two sound plates sounding simultaneously are slightly out of tune with each other, creating a tremolo effect. Thus, there are 2 reeds for each note, and the sound is more saturated. The presence of the A note in the lower octave allows you to fully play Russian melodies.

Octave harmonic
Octave harmonic is another type of diatonic. In it, two sound plates sounding simultaneously are tuned exactly an octave relative to each other. This gives greater volume and a different timbre to the sound.

Bass harmonica
A bass harmonica is actually two separate instruments, one on top of the other, connected by hinges on both sides. Each hole plays only on exhalation, and for each note there are two sound plates tuned to an octave.

Chord harmonica
The chord harmonica, like the bass harmonica, also consists of two movably fixed plates, the double reeds of which are tuned to the octave. But unlike bass harmonicas, it has both exhale and inhale notes, which allows you to use different chords.

Harmonica- one of the most popular wind instruments reed instruments in the world. Compact, lightweight, it can be played both solo and in an ensemble, it brings joy to many people around the world. With its roots in China, where the first prototype of a pipe organ was invented, the first harmonica in Europe was invented by watchmaker Christian Buschmann in 1821.

Types of harmonicas: There are many types of harmonicas, in different keys, but the most popular ones are: diatonic and chromatic in C major.

• Diatonic - This harmonica only has notes available in the diatonic scale. Despite the fact that such an accordion has a limited scale, with the help various techniques(bends) you can extract notes that were not originally included in the harmonica system. Having mastered this technique, you can smoothly learn to lower notes, which is very typical for the blues style. Diatonic harmonicas are very popular among beginners because their bodies are mostly made of plastic, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
• Chromatic - this harmonica has a special mechanism (slider), which allows you to take semitones. Thus, it can be used to extract all the notes from the chromatic scale. These harmonicas are different large sizes, and the number of holes reaches from 10 to 16. The body can be made of plastic or wood. Most often used in styles such as jazz, blues, and classical.
• Tremolo and Octave - These harmonicas typically have an extended note range, and a double row of holes. With a tremolo, one of the reeds is tuned slightly higher than the second, this creates a tremolo effect, the sound is fuller, and the coloring becomes slightly “out of tune”. In an octave harmonica, the reeds are tuned to the same note, but with an interval of one octave, which gives the instrument the effect of sounding two harmonicas at the same time. They are used for traditional folk melodies: polkas, Scottish melodies, waltz, etc.
• Minor and major - as a rule, any harmonica has its own specific key. This is not always convenient; double-sided accordions were invented. The design of these models is such that the holes are located on the left and right, and the musician, changing sides, can play in a different key. The maximum number can be up to six options.

The designs of the most popular models in use today were reviewed.

Tips and care: For beginner harpers (harmonica players), a diatonic harmonica in C major is suitable. This key is most convenient for studying works, since most tutorials are written in this key. The accordion must have a plastic body; it does not swell like wood, it does not need to be impregnated with wax, and it does not transmit sound. If you decide to wooden case, worth considering harmonica Marin Band Crossover, its resonator is made of bamboo, and unlike a pear, it does not swell over time. Typically, the boards are attached with screws to the covers and over time they can be disassembled and the reeds can be carefully cleaned from dust and dirt. By buying a children's or cheap harmonica, you are dooming your lungs to difficult work with these “tight” instruments.

You can use an inexpensive, simple instrument, but a harmonica High Quality buy later. With this approach, the matter most often does not come to the point of buying an harmonica, because the performer is completely disappointed in the harmonica after playing a low-quality instrument.

There are several types of harmonicas:

• Diatonic (10 hole);
• Chromatic;
• Tremolo;
• Octaves;
• Bass;
• Chords;
• Various hybrids of these harmonics.

Most often, chord, bass and octave harmonicas are used in harmonica orchestras; they are very difficult to find on sale, so we will not focus on them. Let's instead discuss diatonic, chromatic and tremolo harmonicas.

Harmonica tremolo

They tend to have the two sound reeds slightly out of tune relative to each other on each note. This is what creates the tremolo effect. These harmonicas have only the sounds of the “white piano keys” and do not have any “black keys”. The tremolo can be considered a primitive harmonica; anyone with the slightest ear for music can learn to play it quickly and easily. However, due to the large shortage of missing notes, it is very limited in its capabilities. If you choose a tremolo harmonica, you will only be able to perform simple children's melodies, Russian and Ukrainian native songs and, probably, the anthems of some countries.

Chromatic harmonica

It has all the sounds of the chromatic scale, i.e. with all the “white and black piano keys.” Chromatic harmonics are capable of reproducing complex classical works and even jazz music. But at the same time, it’s good to have a good musical education, sight read music and play the diatonic harmonica perfectly. Everyone who plays a chromatic harmonica started out on a diatonic harmonica, because you can learn some great techniques (like bends or beautiful vibrato) on a diatonic harmonica without damaging the reeds of the instrument.

It is the most popular harmonica in the world and can play any music in any style. It has a rich and thick sound relative to the harmonics described above. It has all the notes, but, nevertheless, you should master sufficient skills to play this instrument. This harmonica is sometimes called a blues harmonica, but this does not mean that it is intended only for blues compositions. The name is explained by the fact that the diatonic harmonica gained enormous popularity precisely in the era of the formation of blues music, into which, by the way, it fits perfectly.

Harmonica reeds

The material from which the harmonica reeds are made directly affects the durability of the instrument. Hohner and Suzuki traditionally use copper reeds for their harmonicas. Seydel made an innovative breakthrough in this area; it became the first company to make steel reeds for its harmonicas. They are difficult to break and last longer.

Harmonicas have different tones. If you consider yourself to be a beginner harmonica player, then choose a harmonica in the key of C major. It will be easier and easier for you to master the main techniques and skills. In addition, most of the existing tutorials are written for the harmonica in C major. Once you start learning the harmonica of this key, you will then easily play all the others, higher and lower. keys.

Checking the tool before purchasing

If you purchase a harmonica in a special musical instrument store, be sure to ask for special bellows for harmonicas. With their help, they “blow through” each hole as you inhale and exhale to make sure that all notes are sounded. It is very important to “breathe” each hole separately. This can be quite challenging if you have never played the harmonica before. When checking each hole for inhalation and exhalation, pay attention Special attention to additional sounds in the form of “ringing”, which can be found on harmonicas. This means that the reed clings to the harmonica board. In this case, ask for another harmonica. In addition, in low keys (A, G and lower), the reeds may hit the harmonica cover; in principle, this is normal, there is nothing wrong with that. But after going through several harmonics, you will find one that does not ring. On harmonicas of the C major key, no ringing should be present at all, therefore the most best criterion In order to buy a harmonica in C major, it is a clear sound on every hole.

The harmonica does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and dampness. Before playing, it is recommended to heat the harmonica in your palms to temperature human body. For a long life, the harmonica should be carried in a case, played softly and try not to drop it. Periodically, it must be shaken out, removing particles of dirt and accumulated saliva. And then the harmonica will delight you with its sound for a long time.

Develop a sense of rhythm

If you have natural feeling rhythm is good, but this does not free you from working on the rhythmic pattern of the piece. This is where a regular metronome will come to your aid. By the way, metronome analogues can be easily found on the Internet. Having achieved some success, do not stop and continue to master complex species rhythm, learn to determine the size of a musical composition by ear.

The harmonica is very compact and convenient to carry with you all the time. You can train in any free minute, you will feel significant progress and in a few months you will not recognize yourself.

Develop musical memory

Once you start learning a melody from notes or tabs, try to break away from them at some point and pay attention to the intonation. Play from memory, putting your soul into this piece. At the same time, you will develop your ear for music, each time memorization will become easier.

Accurate sound and original playing style

High quality sound and good feeling rhythm is the main thing for a master! Show your individuality in variations on the theme of the melody, but the sound must be impeccable!

The game of virtuosos is the best textbook for beginner performers. You should always have with you not only a harmonica, but also audio recordings of your favorite melodies and musicians. Listen to them whenever possible.

Play in a group

So, you are already quite good at playing and improvising, and now you are invited to Music band. Playing in a team requires compliance special rules: It is necessary to wait for the moment when you can solo without interrupting other performers. A sign of the skill of a harmonica player who performs in an ensemble lies precisely in the ability to collaborate. If you give others the right to speak, you won't be left behind either.