Which Harmonica To Use
This book is designed to be used with the diatonic ten hole harmonica, which is the most common type of harmonica. It is also the best type for bending notes and several other techniques essential to Blues playing.
There are many different brands of diatonic harmonica available. The Hohner marine band or special 20 models, and the Lee Oskar by Tombo are all good quality models.
A common variation in types of ten hole harmonica is that the body of the instrument may be made of either wood or plastic. Although some players prefer the wooden body, the plastic version is more practical because it can be washed without any swelling of the body. When the wood swells, the edges of each block can become rough and can cut your mouth. With plastic, this does not happen.
A popular type of harmonica is called the C harmonica. This means that a harmonica with a C written on it (as shown in the photograph) is tuned to the key of C. The word "key" means the central note to which all others relate. There are twelve different keys used in music and each one begins on a different pitch.
