Harmonica matchmaking

Is it possible to play a harmonica in the same key?

Not ideal. The solution is second position. This is where you play the same harmonica in a key that is seven semitones (a perfect fifth) up from its designated key. So a C harmonica would be played in G (G is exactly seven notes, both black and white above C on a piano keyboard).

What notes can you play on the harmonica?

You can play draw and blow notes. You can also change the harmonica key so you can play your songs in any key you want.

What is a harmonica?

The harmonica, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used worldwide in many musical genres, notably in blues, American folk music, classical music, jazz, country, rock.

How to play in the key of G on a harmonica?

To play in the key of G on a C harmonica (cross harp), we would have to start and finish all the scales on the note of G and play G chords. (Draw notes 1, 2, 3, 4 make up a G chord!) So, the G note would be the new tonic. Each key creates a different mode or effect. Playing music in the key labeled on the harmonica is called

What key do you play a harmonica in?

The solution is second position. This is where you play the same harmonica in a key that is seven semitones (a perfect fifth) up from its designated key. So a C harmonica would be played in G (G is exactly seven notes, both black and white above C on a piano keyboard).

How to play the Blues with a harmonica?

Give the Harmonica a High-Five, and count up 5 notes from the 1st position key. This is handy if you only have a C harmonica with you; you can tell someone, “OK, if you can play a Blues in the key of G, I can play along with you!” Which Harmonica 4 This Blues?

Which harmonicas should I buy?

In particular, you should know that a set of harmonicas in different keys (as shown above) is needed before joining a jam. A set of harmonicas in keys of A, Bb, C, D, F and G will suit most playing situations. Music is usually played in repeating patterns, each the same length (often 12 “bars”, sometimes 8, 16 or even 32 bars).

How do you find the 2nd position on a harmonica?

2nd Position = Cross Harp The name of the 2nd position key is up a 5th from the 1st position key. To find the note that is up a 5th, simply call the 1st position key labeled on the harmonica the number “1” and count letter names up to “5.” So if C =1, for example, than we would count up D = 2, E = 3, F = 4, G = 5.

How do you play G on a C harmonica?

To play in the key of G on a C harmonica (cross harp), we would have to start and finish all the scales on the note of G and play G chords. (Draw notes 1, 2, 3, 4 make up a G chord!) So, the G note would be the new tonic.

How do you play in different keys on a harmonica?

To play in different keys on a harmonica, we just have to make some other note as the tonic. To play in the key of G on a C harmonica (cross harp), we would have to start and finish all the scales on the note of G and play G chords. (Draw notes 1, 2, 3, 4 make up a G chord!) So, the G note would be the new tonic.

Is this harmonica tuned in the key of G?

Such harmonicas have been made. Should we say that this harmonica is tuned in the key of G since the lowest note (hole 1 blow) is now a G note? Well, the blow chord is still in C, and the scale is still a C major scale. So, we can still call it a C harmonica and the extra hole makes very little difference.

What is the natural position of the harmonica?

The natural position of the harmonica (in this case, the key of C) is called first position or straight harp. Second position, or cross harp, is the key a fifth up from first position (G). Why use different positions? Two reasons. First, they allow you to play in multiple keys on one harmonica.