Harmonica

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the harmonica is weeping, plaintive, piercing, or spirited. Utilizing specialized breath techniques and pitch bends, a musician can produce the famous “blues cry” resembling a human voice.

Structure and Features

A small body (comb) made of wood, metal, or plastic housing brass reeds mounted on plates. On a diatonic harmonica, drawing and blowing into the same hole produces different notes.

Genres

• American blues and folk
• Country, rock, and pop music
• Street music and solo performances