Most people play Diatonic Harmonica. If you are not
sure what the difference is, choose Diatonic.
DIATONIC HARMONICA
Diatonic Harmonicas are the most common type of
harmonica.
Learn about Diatonic Harmonicas here: Diatonic
Harmonicas
CHROMATIC HARMONICA
A Chromatic harmonica has the ability to play all
12 notes. They are normally in the key of C but
can be played in any key. If you are not familiar
with the chromatic harmonica, you are probably
looking for a diatonic.
OCTAVE HARMONICA
Each row of holes on Octave Harmonicas is tuned
exactly one octave apart. When the two rows are
played at the same time this creates an effect
of two harmonicas simultaneously playing the
same melody. This enables a single player to
achieve a stronger, full-bodied sound not possible
while playing a standard diatonic. Octave tuning
is the harmonica equivalent of a 12-string guitar!
TREMOLO HARMONICA
The double row of holes on a Tremolo Harmonica
creates music with a distinctive vibrating (vibrato)
effect. This is produced by the bottom row of
holes and the top row of holes being played at
the same time and tuned to the same note, with
the top row tuned just slightly higher. This
special tuning enables Tremolo Harmonicas to
make the tremolo sound which is especially popular
for ballads, gospel and folk music.
