Harmonica
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A harmonica is small musical instrument that is played with the mouth by blowing into holes in its side. Harmonicas are cheap and easy to play. Harmonicas make their musical sounds from the vibrations of reeds in the harmonica's metal case. Harmonicas are used in blues music, folk music, rock and roll music, and pop music. A special type of harmonica, the chromatic harmonica, is used in jazz and classical music.
Contents |
[edit] How they are played
Harmonicas are played by blowing or sucking air into the side of the instrument. To pick a note to play, the mouth has to be moved over the correct hole. Different notes are played when you blow or suck air.
[edit] Harmonica players
- Bob Dylan is a famous harmonica player from the 1960s folk rock scene.
- Willi Burger is a famous classical harmonica player
[edit] Types of harmonicas
Another type of harmonica is the chromatic harmonica. More songs can be played on it than a regular harmonica, because chromatic harmonicas can play more different notes. Chromatic harmonicas have a button which moves a sliding bar. By pressing the button, the player can play a larger range of notes.
[edit] Different names
The harmonica is called many different names, such as: mouth organ, mouth harp, Hobo Harp, French harp, Reckless Tram, harpoon, tin sandwich, blues harp, Mississippi saxophone, or simply harp.