Should you buy the Major Key of the harmonica?

Gear
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Hello All,

I’m looking to purchase another harmonica in the key of G and/or F once I get better on my C.

Is it best to buy the Major or Minor version of the key? I see sooo many key options and don’t want to buy one that won’t sound good for songs that I intend to play.

Thanks any input would be great.

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Should I get a minor harmonica?
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I’ll let people who know a lot more than me answer your question. I would suggest you include specific songs or styles you want to play so they can better assess your needs.

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Hi Pat @yfd130

I would say to buy Major keys . Easier to play ( IMO ) especially that you play guitar also . Most guitar songs are in the major keys too

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Thank you for your help. Going to try Lee Oskar brand in a little while. Been doing some research on his brand. Lots of good reviews.

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@yfd130 Most of my harps are Lee Oskar. I like the way they are built, the sound is solid and dependable, and I find them easier to hold than some others. They also don’t cut my lip like some brands do! I also like East Top and Hohner, but Lee Oskar works best for me, overall. I hope you find something that works for you!

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I let the tunes dictate what I buy. If you don’t have the correct key for something you really want to play then consider getting it. This will be influenced by the genre of music you like.

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Hey @yfd130 share the songs you intend to play, and we can share the answer to your question! :laughing:

More on minor tuning here:

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Hi Luke,

One song riff is from Whole lotta loving, it a solo from Huey Lewis and the News. Sounds difficult for a newbie but it’s on my bucket list. I have to find the other songs that had my interest that I liked and that others may like. Thanks have a good day.

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Fantastic info., @Luke ! I sort of knew these things separately but had not put them all together the way you did. Really helpful to understand the usefulness of minor tuned harps!

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Just heard another song which is from way back. I’m 64, I know I don’t look it ( said no one ever lol) J Geils Band. Freeze Frame album I have the cassette still working Thank God! The song Rage in the Cage!!! Should rename it Rage on the Harp anyway just sharing my love of music songs that have harmonica on them.

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Magic Dick was the player on that album! Man what a musician!!!

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I have a G and it plays well. It would be my choice for a second harp.

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Hi Scott,

I’m looking into the G key probably a LO. Brand. Still have to learn some more though before buying another harmonica.

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I’d stick to major keys until you are skilled enough to appreciate the utility of the other tunings. Major key harps will play minor key tunes in third position - it’s probably better to learn to play in third before you look at alternate tunings.

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Yeah you’re right. It doesn’t make sense. I need to learn how to play what I have first. Thanks for the input.

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That is a good idea, @yfd130 although not absolutely necessary. But it really simplifies things to stick with what you have until you learn most of its capabilities.

As @Maka says! And in addition you can play minor keys in the relatively easy to learn 4th and 5th positions as well. :backhand_index_pointing_left: So for a blues harp in the key of C that gives you the ability to play in D minor (3rd position), A minor (4th position) and E minor (5th position) to go along with G minor (2nd position). That covers a lot of “minor territory” to learn and enjoy – all with that one harmonica !! :smiley:

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My favorite keys are G, A , and Bb , next is my D , F and E

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Hey Scott,

I couldn’t resist. I went out and bought a Lee Oskar Key of G major today. I know I should wait until I get better but figured wth. I’m not getting any younger and I’m all in on learning to play.

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Hi Pat,

I started learning to play the harmonica 8 months ago, and I already got 3 Lee Oskar’s C, G and A.

It’s ok to try different keys, especially when you’re bending notes. Not all the bends are easy on a C harp.

They require different breathing techniques and other little adjustments, it’s also fun to learn new songs in different keys.

Ciao

Stefano :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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If you can afford it, buy a complete major key set. I have an Easttop set that set me back $240. It’s 12 harps, one for each key. That way, whatever song you want to play, you have the right harp for the job.

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