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Blues
Although early harmonicas (and the Richter tuning system, which is still ubiquitous) were originally designed to play a kind of German Oom-pah music, they are, perhaps most closely connected with the blues, with artists such as Sonny Terry, Junior Wells and Sonny Boy Williamson using the instrument in quite a different way to the musical intentions of its inventors. Blues is generally (but not exclusively) performed on a 10 hole diatonic harmonica, its popularity amongst early blues musicians being largely related to its low cost, decent acoustic volume and its easy portability
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Brendan Power PowerBender Harmonica
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The Brendan Power PowerBender Harmonica tuning builds on the best parts of the traditional Richter Tuning, while altering the scale to make the real juicy and important notes much easier to obtain throughout the whole three octave range. If you're interested in a fresh sound on the 10 hole diatonic, LOTS more bending expression and easy jazzy playing, the Brendan Power PowerBender harmonica is a good choice for you! Same familiar breathing pattern in the upper-middle registers. All draw notes bend everywhere, holes 1-10! On the un-valved version you can overblow every hole 1-10, for full chromatic playing. Overdraws and blow bends are no longer possible or needed on a PowerBender - they are replaced with simple draw bends. On the half-valved version, a mix of normal draw bends and valved blow bends gives full chromaticism. Top octave easy to play (intuitive) as many familiar phrasings can be adopted from the bottom octaves Easy to play in the common positions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, and 12th. PowerBender Background PowerBender represents the culmination of 30 years experimenting to create personal alternate tunings. Each one is really usable; I’ve proved that by recording 18 albums with various earlier alternate tunings. They all have excellent qualities that remain valid for those who wish to explore them further, and will be described and demonstrated in other books. However, I believe that in the POWERBENDER I have hit a winning combination of strengths that rivals the Richter tuning for all-round playability, but surpasses it for expressiveness, ease of play and contemporary relevance. The POWERBENDER is a new universal tuning updating the 10 hole diatonic for modern music styles, which emphasize note bending and fluent improvisation in different keys. It builds on all the best parts of the traditional Richter tuning, while altering the scale to make the real juicy, important notes much easier to obtain, with fantastic expressive ability throughout the whole three octave range. Its beauty and strength is that it relies overwhelmingly upon draw bending for chromaticism and expression, an easy technique all players master quickly. Every draw note bends a semitone or more. Overblows are still available but significantly reduced in importance, as they are not required for most playing. A development of my earlier tuning experiments, the POWER BENDER reached its final form in 2008; since then I have adopted it as my main tuning for improvising in blues, jazz, rock, folk and pop styles. It’s such an easy and sweet sounding tuning on out-of-the-box harps that anyone who tries it quickly gets hooked.... Read moreBrendan Power PowerDraw Harmonica
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Brendan Power PowerDraw Harmonica - if you're interested in incredible draw bending expression in the top octave whilst retaining all the best aspects of a traditional harp in the lower two octaves, the PowerDraw is a good choice for you! Just top off the standard Richter tuning in holes 1-6 with the logical breathing pattern and draw-bending soul of my PowerBender tuning on holes 7-10. It's a win-win! PowerDraw tuning is a combination of standard Richter (holes 1-6) and PowerBender (holes 7-10). The Best of Both Worlds! It's easy to learn because: The bulk of the harp (holes 1-6) stays exactly the same as normal, so there is no need to re-learn anything in that comfortable range you're so accustomed to. The breathing pattern of holes 1-6 (blow reed low, draw reed high in each hole) is retained all the way up to hole 10 on the PowerDraw! This gives the top octave an instant feeling of familiarity to anyone who tries it, because the techniques and riffs that work so well lower down work up there too Simplified Technique: There are no blow bends and no overdraws needed in the PowerDraw tuning. Two of the most important 'blue' notes in 2nd position (the flat third, which was overblow 6) and the flat fifth (overdraw 7) are now simple draw bends on holes 7 and 8: the octave-up equivalents of the familiar draw bends on holes 3 and 4. Every draw note bends from hole 7-10, soulful and easy! That's right - you can now really WAIL up high on your harp! Plus, in un-valved setup, every hole overblows for chromatic playing, and the upper octave overblows are much easier than the overdraws necessary in Richter tuning. PowerDraw works well with the octave-playing approach of tongue blockers. The notes in the top octave are similar to Richter, but the intervals are slightly different. Octave splitting is actually easier, because both blow and draw notes have a 5 hole split above hole 4. ... Read moreFender Blues Deluxe Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case
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The Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case includes all of the most popular harmonica keys with a soft case in which to carry them. This is an economical way to buy a set of harmonicas that will cover most popular songs, and offers a significant discount over buying each key individually. Keys includes are C, D, E, F, G and Bb. The Fender Blues Deluxe harmonica is perfect for both the seasoned harpist or those who are just starting out and is versatile enough for any level of player. With solid construction, a traditional shape and bright, articulate tone, this diatonic 10-hole harmonica offers the classic sound and long-lasting reliability of any genuine Fender instrument. It features chromed metal covers for comfortable performance, and moisture-resistant ABS plastic combs for bright sound, tuning stability and ease of cleaning and maintenance. About Fender Fender Musical Instrument Corp can trace it origins to Leo Fender’s original business – Fender Radio Service, which was involved in the repair and maintenance of PAs and radio equipment. Experiments with the lap steel guitar in the 1940s led to them changing their name to Fender Instruments, and producing one of the earliest solid body electric guitars – the Telecaster. This differed from competitors' solid body guitars in its use of a more economical bolt on neck, allowing production costs to be lower without sacrificing tone or feel. This led to the development of their most famous guitar – the Stratocaster – which helped to shape popular music throughout the 1960s and beyond. Fender today produces a large range of amplifiers and instruments, ranging from those designed for beginners to extremely high end professional level equipment. Harmonicas are a recent addition to the Fender portfolio of instruments, but the Blues Deluxe has the same level build quality, playability and tone you would expect from any product from the “Big F”.... Read moreFender Blues DeVille Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case
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The Fender Blues DeVille Harmonicas 7 Pack with Case features 7 10-hole Blues DeVille diatonic harmonicas, plus a case, for a significantly lower cost than buying the items individually. The Blues DeVille delivers bright, bold tone and uncompromised pro quality, with phosphor bronze reeds, moisture-resistant ABS combs, gold-etched casing and other features that make it a reliable choice for serious performers. The keys included in this pack are C, G, A, D, F, E, Bb, which will cover most popular songs, especially if 2nd position is utilised. The phosphor bronze reeds are responsive, and give a rich, warm sound. They also provide significantly greater longevity than traditional brass reeds, and, when they do need replacing, reed plate sets are available for all keys. About Fender Fender Musical Instrument Corp can trace it origins to Leo Fender’s original business – Fender Radio Service, which repaired and maintained PAs and radio equipment in the 1930s and 1940s. After a brief foray into the production of lap steel guitars, Fender began to focus on the burgeoning market for solid body electric guitars. The result was the Telecaster - a simple and relatively affordable electric guitar that did without the glued in neck and more expensive detailing of the Gibson Les Paul, which was its main rival in the early electric guitar marketplace. Consequently, the Telecaster was substantially cheaper than the Gibson, leading to its adoption by many an up and coming band. Fender today produces a range of amplifiers and instruments, from beginners' models to extremely high end professional level equipment. Harmonicas are a recent addition to the Fender portfolio of instruments, but the Blues Deluxe has the same level build quality, playability and tone you would expect from any product from one of the world's most famous musical instrument manufacturers.... Read moreHering Vintage 1923 Harp Harmonica
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This product has been discontinued. As an alternative please check out the Hohner Marine Band 1896 Classic The Hering Vintage 1923 Harp Harmonica is a reproduction of Hering's first harmonica, all the great blues harpists of the 20's/30/40's / 50's & 60's played with this type of tuning, and if you are looking for that "traditional" blues sound, then the Hering Vintage 1923 Harp is the mouth organ for you. Wooden veneer body Extra thick reed plates Airtight using 7 screws to hold reedplate to comb Bronze lacquered cover plate Attractive antique finish High Volume & Full bodied tone ... Read moreHohner 360? Collectors Edition Harmonica
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The Hohner 360° Collectors Edition Harmonica commemorated the 50th anniversary of the remarkable occasion when Walter Schirra played the Hohner Little Lady harmonica in outer space. This Hohner 360 is still small enough to make it your permanent companion. On December 16th, 1965 a musical instrument was played in outer space for the first time in history. Walter Schirra, commander on board the Gemini 6, surprised Mission Control with the Christmas tune “Jingle Bells” played on the Hohner Little Lady, the world’s smallest harmonica. 10 hole diatonic harmonica Transparent ABS body Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Length: 10.5 cm Key: C-major ... Read moreHohner Blues Band - 7 Harmonica Set With Case
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Hohner Blues Band - 7 Harmonica Set With Case - A set of 7 Blues Band harmonicas in the most popular keys (A, Bb, C, D, E, F and G) to get you started playing blues, folk, rock or country music. It also comes with a reference key table so that you will always know which key to use with each song. Includes a sturdy nylon case for storing and transporting your harps, and offers a significant discount over buying all of these harps individually.... Read moreHohner Blues Harp Pro Pack
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The Hohner Blues Harp Pro Pack contains three of the most popular keys (C, G & A) of the Hohner Blues Harp. The brand name ”Blues Harp® “ has attained cult status in the contemporary music scene. The Hohner Blues Harp MS model features a functional design combining a wooden comb, high covers without side vents and high quality reed plates to give the instrument its typical bluesy sound, which has made it immensely popular with beginning and intermediate players alike. Every now and again, a branded article achieves such a high degree of success and widespread distribution that the brand name becomes synonymous with the generic product. This has certainly been the case with the Hohner Blues Harp®, now well into its fifth decade as one of Hohner‘s most popular diatonic model. Reeds: 20. Reed Plate: Brass, 0.9mm. Pack includes 3 x Hohner Blues Harp in Keys: C, G & A Comb: Wood. Series: Modular System. ... Read moreHohner Harponette Harmonica
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The Hohner Harponette was originally released in 1909. A hundred years later, Hohner's master instrument makers have crafted a particularly attractive replica model entirely manufactured in Trossingen, Germany. It features a CNC-milled bordeaux red casing, into which a high-quality Richter harmonica is inset and enables the player to produce a uniquely warm and sonorous tone. A must for any harmonica collector The Hohner Harponette comes in a luxurious embossed case with a magnetic closure. Doussié wood comb 10 Hole Diatonic tuned 0.9 mm brass reed plates 20 brass reeds Stainless steel covers with Harponette embossing CNC-milled solid spruce casing, attractively laquered, with authentic silver imprint Elegantly styled vintage cardboard case with practical magnetic closure Available in C-major ... Read moreHohner John Lennon Signature M592016 Harmonica
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This model is discontinued. However, Hohner now produces The Beatles Signature Harmonica as an alternative The Hohner John Lennon Signature features brilliant white cover plates, stylish packaging and a clear acrylic comb, the John Lennon Signature Series Harmonica by Hohner is hand-made in Germany and will pay tribute to the legacy of its namesake. One of the greatest musicians and composers of the 20th century, John Lennon began playing the harmonica when he was a child in Liverpool and was greatly influenced in the 1960's by American blues music. His playing on #1 hit songs like "Love Me Do","From Me to You","Please Please Me," and "I Should Have Known Better" inspired a whole new generation of harmonica players. Hand-made in Trossignen, Germany, this premium harp is perfect for any collector, fan, or serious harmonica player. Hohner is proud to celebrate John Lennon's spirit of creativity. The M592016 harmonica is a 10-hole Marine Band-style diatonic harp in the key of C. It comes in a clear acrylic case and a white cardboard display box with a magnetic closure. Original Blues Harp with gold-plated reed plates in C-Major Exclusive stainless steel covers with special embossing Specially imprinted Doussie wood comb Robust case with John Lennon imprint in Silver. Comes in a John Lennon designed case. Key: C ... Read moreHohner Marine Band 1896 Pro Pack
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The Hohner Marine Band 1896 Pro Pack contains three of the most popular keys (C, G & A) of the Hohner Marine Band 1896 classic original blues harmonica. Today it is still manufactured in much the same way as when it was first introduced in 1896. Its uniquely authentic sound has defined the role of the harmonica in the blues tradition and made it the benchmark by which all others are judged. Played by iconic figures such as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Bob Dylan. Save money by ordering this pack instead of three individual Mouth organs. Original cover design from 1896 ensures the classic blues sound Greatly reduced swelling behaviour through double-coated pear wood comb Reeds: 20 Brass Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Comb: Pearwood, brown Mouthpiece: pearwood lacquered Cover surface: Stainless steel Pack includes 3 x Marine Band 1896 classic in Keys: C, G & A ... Read moreHohner Pioneer Harmonica
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On December 16th 1965, a musical instrument was played in outer space for the first time - the HOHNER Little Lady. As this event demonstrates, HOHNER harmonicas are played literally everywhere. Be part of this world and enjoy music - everywhere. The Hohner Pioneer was made to commemorate the Pioneering spirit that sent brave men and women to choose an unknown path and to launch a Pioneering new direction in harmonica design. Features Transparent body Made in the most popular key -- C-major Durable Stainless steel plates Innovative and great looking clear ABS Reed Plate surface, Mouthpiece & Comb. ... Read moreHohner Remaster Vol I Harmonica
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The Hohner Remaster Vol I is part of the 2016 collectors edition remaster series. Comb: Transparent ABS Number of hole: 10 Reeds: 20 brass Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Read Plate Surface: brass Cover Surface: Stainless steel Mouthpiece Surface: transparent ABS Length: 10.5 cm Comes in a unique pouch, see picture for details Keys: C major ... Read moreHohner Remaster Vol II Harmonica
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The Hohner Remaster Vol II is part of the 2016 collectors edition remaster series. Comb: Transparent ABS Number of hole: 10 Reeds: 20 brass Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Read Plate Surface: brass Cover Surface: Stainless steel Mouthpiece Surface: transparent ABS Length: 10.5 cm Comes in a unique pouch, see picture for details Keys: C major ... Read moreHohner Remaster Vol III Harmonica
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The Hohner Remaster Vol III is part of the 2016 collectors edition remaster series. Comb: Brow transparent ABS Number of hole: 10 Reeds: 20 brass Reed Plates: 0.9mm brass Read Plate Surface: brass Cover Surface: Stainless steel Mouthpiece Surface: transparent ABS Length: 10.5 cm Comes in a unique pouch, see picture for details Keys: C major ... Read moreHohner See-Thru Happy Green Harmonica
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The Hohner See-Thru Happy Green Harmonica is a genuine 10-hole Richter harmonica with plastic covers, available in four different colours. It is an excellent low-priced beginners instrument for blues, folk and rock. This would also be a fantastic harp choice for children. Reeds: 20 brass Comb: ABS, Green Reed Plates: 0.9mm aluminium Reed Plate Surface: aluminium Number of Holes: 10 Key: C-major Length: 10cm Available in blue, red, green and yellow ... Read moreHohner See-Thru Happy Purple Harmonica
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The Hohner See-Thru Happy Purple Harmonica is a genuine 10-hole Richter harmonica with plastic covers, available in four different colours. It is an excellent low-priced beginners instrument for blues, folk and rock. This would also be a fantastic harp choice for children. Reeds: 20 brass Comb: ABS, Purple Reed Plates: 0.9mm aluminium Reed Plate Surface: aluminium Number of Holes: 10 Key: C-major Length: 10cm Available in blue, red, green and yellow ... Read moreHohner Special 20 Pink Harmonica Limited Edition
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Hohner Special 20 Pink Harmonica From the hottest catwalks to summer cinema blockbusters, and even important occasions like Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink is stealing the spotlight this year. But guess what? Hohner is joining the pink party, and we're thrilled to announce the release of our brand-new Special 20 harmonica in PINK! But you're going to have to be quick because the Special 20 PINK will be produced in a strictly limited edition! Limited Edition Progressive Series Key: C major Sturdy and moisture-resistant comb made of ABS plastic 0.9 mm brass reed plates recessed in the comb 20 Reeds Stainless steel cover plates Round, powerful sound with fast response Suitable for intensive use Suitable for beginners and advanced players Length: 10.2 cm Colour of comb: Pink Made in Germany... Read moreLee Oskar Mick Jagger Signature Harmonica - Key of C
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Lee Oskar Mick Jagger Signature 1st Edition 10 Hole C It is well-known that Mick Jagger has loved playing Lee Oskar harmonicas for many years. The Mick Jagger Harmonica Signature Series offers a meticulously designed range of harmonicas that faithfully replicate the exact specifications used by Mick Jagger throughout his illustrious career. Each harmonica in the series is handcrafted with thorough attention to detail, guaranteeing an authentic playing experience and the unmistakable Jagger sound that fans have grown to love. The Mick Jagger Harmonica Signature Series features harmonicas in various keys, including the popular blues keys. Each harmonica is precision-tuned to Mick Jagger’s exacting standards, guaranteeing unparalleled sound quality and effortless playability. The harmonicas also showcase custom-designed cover plates adorned with Mick Jagger’s signature, adding a touch of rock and roll flair to the instrument. Specification Manufacturer Lee Oskar by Tombo Country of Origin Japan Instrument Type Major Diatonic Note / Key C... Read moreTombo Aero Reed Harmonica
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The Tombo Aero Reed harmonica is part of the Tombo diatonic range. Epoch-making 10-hole Harmonica combined with Tombo's consistent quality control and new Metal comb. Its coverplate, comb and reedplate construction are a new Tombo design. Clear and distinct tone metal comb Tombo's flagship diatonic model ... Read moreBlues Key Harmonica?
If you are playing on your own, then the key of harmonica you choose to play doesn't really matter too much. This said, higher keys (ie those from C to F#) tend to play 'quicker' and are easier to perform bends on (due to the thinner, more malleable reeds) than lower keys (B down to G and beyond).
If you want to play along with recordings of blues artists, the key of C is a good place to start, as it covers a range of popular tunes written in this key and its second position relative key, G.
Most blues harmonicas use the Richter system to lay out the notes, but, in recent years, alternative tuning have been devised to overcome some of the limitations of Richter (which, after all, was never designed with the blues in mind). Brendan Power's Powerdraw and Powerbender tunings aim to position the notes that need to be bent in places on the harmonica where they can be bent, making blues licks easier and more intuitive. Similarly Seydel's Wilde tuning enables more rocky blues based riffs to be played at higher speeds than would be possible on a traditionally tuned harp.
Best Blues Harmonica
Whilst the exact choice of harmonica is a matter of personal taste, you'll generally want a diatonic harmonica made in Germany or Japan. Our top picks are the Seydel Session Steel, Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Hohner Rocket and the Suzuki Bluesmaster, but there are many other great models out there.
Blues Harmonica C
Not only is C the most popular key of harmonica, but it's also the one for which most online beginner lessons are created, so it's a good idea to make this key your first purchase in your harmonica musical journey.
How to Play Blues Harmonica
One of the major techniques of blues harmonica is the bending of notes. Unlike on guitar, where the bending is generally up to a higher note, harmonicas are always bent down to a lower note. This gives the distinctive blues sound and provides access to the blues pentatonic scale that is key to creating an authentic blues sound. Mastering bending first requires mastering the ability to play single notes; practise and perfect this first before you attempt any bends.
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