JJM Hanbooks

The harmonica can be a great buddy, you just
have to get to know it...
In the following pages, you will find :

the tip of the month	some basic notions

A good harmonica course should be adapted to the musical level of the student (See our "Methods" page ).
In SCHOOOOOL we will talk about :

• the choice of harmonica

• the anatomy of the harmonica

• the first steps

• bending on the diatonic harmonica

• basic music theory

• pieces to work on

• an introduction to improvisation

• advanced level techniques

In introduction, and to satisfy your curiosity, we'd like to present the anatomy
of the harmonica, low notes on the left:

top cover plate
blow reed plate
comb
draw reed plate
bottom cover plate
How does a harp work ? Each hole gives access to two notes : one blown note, and one drawn note. These notes are produced by metal reeds that vibrate when the air passes over them. The pitch of a note does not depend on how strongly you breathe. But you can modify the original note by changing the shape of your mouth. Harmonica players call this technique " bending " the note. The faster a reed vibrates, the higher the note The slower it vibrates, the lower the note. The pitch of a note does depend on the length of the reed, but even more on the weight of the end that vibrates.

Basic notions | Tip of the month | Map