If you want to play blues, rock, gospel or country don't get a chromatic. That's the one with button that allows you to play every note on the scale. Jazz can be played with a chromatic or a diatonic.
Diatonic harmonicas come in keys... G, A, Bb(B flat), C, D, E and F are the basics.
To jam with a tune or a group playing a tune, you want to be playing a harp that is 3 steps off. IOWs if the tune is in G you want to be in C. If the tune is in E you want to play an A harp. Three steps off doesn't make sense except for a method called cross harp. That is simply the bending of the note which is what many humans seem to like to hear. If you are a fifth away and bend the note, now you are a fourth away which is harmony. There's more to it than that. Maybe some of the musicians on this board will comment in a more clear way. I don't think a person really needs to know all that theory to play blues harmonica. The originators of blues harp were typically poor. They had what they had and learned to bend the notes to be in harmony with the tune.
However, knowing the theory will help when jamming with musicians. The extent of my knowledge of the theory is small. I usually need the lead to tell me what key I need 'cause my math functions go away if I've been invited to be on a stage. If they don't tell me, I can still figure it out pretty quickly by just tooting on a few harps.
I told ya all that so I could give you some advice that may help to keep you inspired. Hundreds and thousands of dollars can be spent on most instruments. Paying $150.00 for a group of harmonicas is comparatively pretty cheap. To be able to play along with most any tune is great.
I would not buy a Hohner Blues Harp. They are de-tuned to sound bluesy. A Hohner Marine band would be much better. You blues it up by bending the notes. I like them because they are very old school. The problem is that when the wooden comb expands from moisture, it will abrade your lips.
What works better for me is the Hohner Special 20 because it has a plastic comb. No expansion. No escaping air. They sound wonderful. Lee Oskars are a step up but they wear out just as fast.
I bought my Special 20s here:
Coast to Coast That case also holds small flashlights quite well.
I looked around and found a site that will let you download backtracks. They tell you the key of the backtrack and tell you what key harmonica to use.
OnLineJam
Have fun.
- Jeff
