The Diatonic Harmonica (Key of C)
The first three sections of the book will teach you how to play a 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 for harmonica playing. There are many different brands of diatonic harmonica available.
Some of my personal favorites are the Hohner marine band or special 20 models, and the Lee Oskar by Tombo. 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. The CD which accompanies this book has been recorded with a C harmonica. This means that a harmonica with a C written on it (as shown below) 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. To play along with the CD you will need a C harmonica, so make sure your harmonica has a C written somewhere on it.
