Q&A for How to Play a Harmonica

It may need cleaning. Check the wikiHow article, Clean a Harmonica for tips on how to do so. Sometimes, an older one needs repair.

Perhaps your lips are blocking the airway, or maybe the harmonica has moisture (saliva) in it, rendering it unplayable. Try to keep your mouth dry when blowing in and out.

You might not be blowing enough air, or there could be too much saliva blocking the airflow.

The notes are read based on the number of the holes. The first four holes are the C major chords: from 4 to 7 are the C scale. Also 7 to 10 are also related to the C scale.

There is probably a blockage that you need to clean out. You can do this by taking your harmonica apart, and if you don’t want to, you can always pay someone to do it.

To play a chromatic harmonica, you use it much like a regular harmonica, but pressing the button on the side will raise the pitch by a half-step.

Start with "Harmonica For Dummies," which covers almost everything you need to know. For materials, you'll need a small diatonic harmonica in the key of C.

To play a minor scale on a diatonic C harmonica, you can use bending techniques to access modes like Mixolydian b6 or Phrygian Major. Alternatively, you can play the A minor scale, which shares the same notes as C major, by starting on a different note.

You don't need to do this. In fact, wetting it with saliva can lead to chapped lips.

You can store a harmonica in any pocket that's large enough, such as those in most shirts or jeans. Additionally, there are small carrying cases specifically designed for harmonicas that you might consider using.

Yes, you can use it the same way regardless of its country of origin. If the harmonica is in good condition, you should be able to play it without any issues.

With the harmonica, the softer you play, the quieter the note/s will be. The more forcefully you exhale, the louder the notes will play. There is no way to inhale and exhale softly and still produce a loud sound.

A basic, good-quality, 10-hole, diatonic harmonica costs somewhere between $35 and $90. A high-quality, chromatic harmonica will cost somewhere between $120 and $250.