The BEST Harmonica For Beginners

[@TomlinHarmonica]

🎵 Just starting out on harmonica? Join my FREE Blues Harmonica Foundation Course here 👉 foxly.link/p5ugYk

[@jaybreezy1time]

bought one from your link to amazon just cause your honesty

[@satya3924]

How's ur experience?

[@makbones3481]

Jeremy Bruce was it any good?

[@poeswanky4392]

How is it treating you?

[@suyog322632]

Just bought one using your affiliate link. I'm not one to quickly give away my money, actually this is the first time I've purchased anything using an affiliate link. I always do my own research and never impulse buy. but your video style is top notch. Here's some quick feedback on why. I searched, "best beginner harmonica". Your video was the first to pop up. I liked the fact that you didn't waste my time... within the first minute you gave me the answer, "10 hole diatonic in C". I continued to watch, and by the way you play harmonica, I felt that you were a credible source. Your bits of advice and examples were the final straw. I have to say, this is a 5 minute masterpiece video production. Bravo.

[@bobaldo2339]

Most of the old blues guitar players like to play in E, A or G. I started playing harp in the mid 50's - when a 10 hole Marine Band cost exactly one dollar. My first harp was a key of A, to play in E of course (as well as in A on the high notes mostly). I play from a rack while I play the guitar. To this day, most of my harps are in A, G, or C . The G harps I use mostly for non-blues ballads in G or D. The C harps I use for blues in G mostly. By the way when Rice miller (Sonny Boy Williamson II) started to play Marine Band harps they cost 10 cents each. It is hard to think of anything that inflation has affected more over the decades than harmonicas.

[@notbraindead7298]

Bob, Thank you for that interesting and helpful information. Peace and love, bro.

[@sitsia3808]

Damn

[@Marius_1970]

Just did bought one hohner special 20. Thank you for your detailed explanation. You are a pro !!!

[@winstonchurchill624]

I would also recommend the special 20. I have a marine band and a Lee Oscar, and the special 20 is still my favorite. I plan on trying a few more, but it’s really going to take something special to outdo the special 20.

[@D-Tox_]

I started a month ago on a Special 20 in C and recently bought the Marine Band in A. It's great to be able to switch from the plastic to the wood and back. When I get tired of playing in C, I pick up the Marine Band and vice versa!

[@dorian3260]

My first harmonica was a Marine Band in C. It cost me one book of Green Stamps. If you're hip to Green Stamps, you are older than you look.

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

S&H baby

[@mikec3777]

That's how I got my first electric razor😂

[@Meta-Drew]

Special 20 in C is exactly what the music store near me recommended when I asked for a good first harmonica. That was 15 years ago, I'm only finally getting around to actually learning how to play it XD

[@dollye853]

Thank you mine is arriving soon..

[@sunnyscott4876]

I have a Special 20 key of C that is very nice. I keep it in my car. But I bought a Suzuki Blues Master that I love . Super comfortable , easy to play , no sharp edges smooth and good sound . I'm not particularly good at blues but I am getting better and your videos have been a big help . I'm getting good at first position folk music and I enjoy that.

[@av8orAH64]

I bought a Special 20 and your review was the most compelling I viewed. Listening to the sound, I think I liked the Marine Band's brighter sound and wood comb for the same price. However, since I will likely be doing a lot of practicing I think the plastic comb and ease of draw and responsiveness will allow me to spend more time with my harmonica without fatigue or sore lips. Sound-wise, I suspect it will depend on the acoustics of where you play. Thanks for your spot-on review.

[@LeoBrazil89]

Special 20 is my favorite harp, greetings from Brazil!

[@ikust007]

LeoBrazil89 Agree: but I would LOVE to see a Special 20 WITH the improvement of the Crossover . I bought a Crossover: could not believe the sound and the ease of bending with it . But I still love the air thightness of the Special 20.

[@LeoBrazil89]

@@ikust007 that would be awesome

[@enjoyharmonica]

Brilliant lesson, all the accurate information a beginner needs to know regarding correct harp. I personally preferr marine band deluxe although a little more pricey :)

[@mattdoogue2315]

Thanks, I’ve just subscribed, I ended up with a Marine Band Hohner, I’ll be spending the nightshift watching your vids and playing with the Harmonica.

[@ecalzo]

me too.. playing harp in night shift

[@jameslewis9343]

You are absolutely right!! I switched to the Special 20 and like it a lot. My first harmonica was a Hohner "Old Standby", which cost $10.00 in 1993. I also have several Marine Bands, Blues Harps, Blues Harp MS's, and a couple of Chromonicas. The wooden combs swell a little with continued use, but they eventually return to their normal shape, but the most durable and reliable has been the Special 20. This video is really good advice and I couldn't agree more!! Thanks for putting it out there!!

[@rosehughes6760]

Thank you. I really like your videos - informative, concise, clear, detailed and personable.....plus you confirmed I made the right decision with the Special 20 :)

[@larryeisenberg1895]

I start my blues harmonica students on an "A" harmonica.....much easier to get a chordal/groove/back beat sound from. Also, if bending technique is taught by the most efficient approach - TONGUE PLACEMENT - , it is easy to learn all the proper bending techniques - sometimes even easier than on higher pitched harmonicas. Have for years taught a rank beginning student to bend to correct pitch within 2 to 4 weeks of lessons - totally demolishing that old incorrect mind set "it takes YEARS to learn to bend". That 2 draw issue is caused by unneeded tension and tongue muscle engaged when it should be totally released/relaxed.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Excellent advice Larry :-)

[@mikewoods1622]

Hohners are probably the best in regards to bendability and sound character, but the price is high considering how fragile they tend to be. I found that Suzuki Bluesmaster is a good alternative at half the price. They tend to be more durable.

[@aaronryder4008]

As a beginner i chose Suzuki promaster Hammond. It's a bit on the costlier side but it's amazing! Before this i used to have a $8 toy harmonica. Definitely a nice investment for me

[@ZvikaDror]

We love you Tomlin! Jumping 10 years ahead, you bring this video from the old-old Amazon channel (they probably bought Google, IBM, Microsoft and Aliexpress by then) and compare it to Adam Gussow old-old-old-old-old channel from his 10 years ago reminition :) BTW - I recommend Lee Oskar as first harp, SP20 can easily be killed by a beginner, and the first year might be rough. Lately I play more and more Suzuki Bluesmaster and Tombo Ultimo, they are very similar and overall great harps to play, overblow, re-tune and maintain. No Lee Oskar or SP20 for me ahead, but a lot of Manji, ProMaster / Hammond, Lucky13 and a few more :) Maybe a Seydel or two :) Cheers great to see you

[@Voltanaut]

I personally recommend an Easttop. I got mine for just £9 and many say they're on par with £30 Marine Bands, though I think they're better. Mine also has the best, most accurate 3 hole bend when compared to my Marine Bands, Manjis, and 1847s. I'm going to buy a 12-set of Easttops very soon.

[@pauljames9527]

That’s very interesting are you a good player? I’ll look at set prices

[@Voltanaut]

@@pauljames9527 I'm an okay player. Nothing more than a hobbyist. But Easttops are very good. Their Blues Player harps are the same price as Marine Band 1896s but they're 2 or 3 times better and the same price.

[@pauljames9527]

If you can't meme, you can't dream thanks mate I just ordered 3 A D G I appreciate your comments

[@Voltanaut]

@@pauljames9527 No worries bud. Enjoy your new harps. You've got some great keys so play with.

[@pauljames9527]

If you can't meme, you can't dream I just ordered a set of 12, I agree with you they seem to be as good as my HOHNER ‘s im interested to see how long they last

[@eserof]

Just purchased a set of three Suzuki Manji, C, G, and A. I hope they satisfy.

[@theraven6836]

If I can chime in, IMHO this advice is completely accurate. I started with a Marine Band and then switched to a Suzuki Manji. I found both difficult to play but I was able to identify what I didn’t like and thought I’d give the Special 20 a shot. I loved it immediately. This is the harp that I learned to play on. I’ve since migrated to the Hohner Rocket, but that’s really an improved Special 20, with all the benefits and none of the drawbacks. Even still, I’d recommend the Special 20 as it’s easier to play than the Rocket because the Rocket’s larger holes require greater precision. The Special 20 is a truly great harp, especially for beginners.

[@ZvikaDror]

True. Without a teacher (or even with a teacher), MB and Manji are both very difficult to learn. The thing is that both of them are airy and "bulky" and beginners don't know how to control the airflow and find their embouchure, so they are missed with their great tone and performance qualities. Lee Oskar and SP20 have recessed plates so the airiness is not a big factor, and SP20 has "easier" reeds so beginners can quickly learn to play "quietly" - but its is also very delicate and tend to get stuck if you don't fix it or clean handle it often. Also true about the Rocket, I'm going for one soon because of what you described.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

@@ZvikaDror So true!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thank you Ralph :-)

[@brianwood7237]

Yes Tomlin special 20 in C is a no brainer, but it took playing a marine band to really get where THAT classic TONE comes from 😎

[@ikust007]

Brian Wood dit you try the Crossover?

[@brianwood7237]

@@ikust007 nope just have an arsenal of marine bands an special 20s now. I STILL have a bluesband in my glove box in case I get stuck in California traffic

[@ikust007]

Brian Wood me too ! Always have one for Montreal’s traffic ;)

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Subscribed and bought the harp today on the strength of this EXCELLENTLY DONE review. Thank you!!!

[@mikefullerton5491]

I completely agree with your assessment and recommendation of Special 20s as a great starter harp. I stared with Lee Oskers and switched to Special 20s. I have a set of Rockets and Manjis but dont’ like then much. I now play Crossovers, but my set of Special 20s get played every week at the cottage. PS Hope your workshop goes well in Scotland. It was too much for me to consider asI live in Ottawa, Canada.

[@ZvikaDror]

Mike - you can fix Manjis as they are very sturdy and quality harps, its worth it as it adds great tone to your arsenal

[@ikust007]

Mike Fullerton totally agree! Don’t you feel that the Crossovers are awesome ? I would dream to have that sound and bending possibilities with the 20. Cheers

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Thanks Mike - maybe I will see you over in Canada one day :-)

[@alantay9409]

You are absolutely correct to recommend the special 20. I recently met Deak Harp in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the birth place of blues! I was seeking someone to help me with bending notes while I was visiting the town. Deak recommended the Special 20 C harp too! I took a crash course on bending when he mention one of my fav blues harp players James Cotton. Deak revived and inspired me to pick up the harp again after setting aside my Crossover and Marine harps for 2 years. I came home and I happen to stumbled on to your KZbin channel! Maybe my karma lead me to you. I have been following all the advise you and Deak gave! So true. “Practice, go slow and listen.” Thank you.

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Yeah every harp player I’ve asked this question to says the special 20, although some recommend the G harp and some the A and some the C as you suggest here. I’m a pedal steel player primarily but want to pickup harp since I usually advertise myself as a utility man. Playing Harp would be a great addition…. Plus I’ve always wanted to play harp, mainly cross harp (2nd position).

[@Will-Max]

I had been playing Hohner Blues Harps, Big River and Marine Band, but my playing improved dramatically when I got Special 20's. They run $44 if you buy just one, but if you're serious buy the set of 5 and it averages out to $38.

[@1dkappe]

Shocker! A special 20! I’d say the Lee Oskar’s are pretty comparable and may draw bend a touch better (which is important if you play with a rack).

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Lol, yes, I know it was not the most surprising choice. I do like the Lee Oskars but some people have trouble with the bends on the 3 hole on them which is why I tend to favour the SP20.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

I love the Lee Oskar. I’ve been using them since 97. I started with a Hohner and I always struggled getting a good clean note from them for some reason, and I could never bend a note properly on one. Probably more to do with my playing than with the Hohner, but I never had the same issues with a Lee Oskar. I stopped playing for years and have now come back to it somewhat rusty. My C is still the same old Hohner and I looked into replacing it with a Lee Oskar and found thar they have almost doubled in price since I last brought one in about 2000!

[@richarddevlaminck5501]

My dad got me a hohner marine band in the early seventies that was two different keys like a double harmonica and had a button to switch from one to another. I can't seem to find one like it now. I haven't played in decades but was curious about this elusive hohner.

[@Lawful_Rebel]

I still like my hohner marine band. I also like Lee Oskar which are pretty easy to play (plastic comb and easily replaceable parts).

[@TomlinHarmonica]

The Marine Band is a fantastic harmonica :-)

[@nicolagavazzi750]

I like the Special 20 in key of G!

[@eazyrider6122]

My Lee Oskars are good And ive ordered a couple of Suzuki bluesman harmonicas. Both of these sound good have replacement reeds, and are mid range in price.

[@jaybreezy1time]

love the video appreciate the passion to help others understand the learning process

[@alejandromeneses3788]

Thank you! Youve helped me so much!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

My pleasure Alejandro :-)

[@raiders345]

I found this video to be extremely helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@yourleftisttesticle]

I'll tell you a good reason to get them. I got FIVE of them for less than 170 bucks! That's a deal right there! Couldn't find it with any other kind of harp, either.

[@MrChadwicj]

Just what I was wanting. Thank you 🤔

[@thechroniclesofteddy1808]

The shape of the mans face shows me how long he played good shiz man you play like House M.D

[@miriammaldonado7848]

Yes, he's a handsome man!

[@6Oko6Demona6]

I second you that it's a waste to buy an expensive harmonica for the beginning. You're gonna run through your first harmonica pretty quickly, it's a waste to do that to a $100 harmonica. My first special 20 served me well for 8 months. I'm now using my second one already for more than a year. And now I started to collecting others. I'm gonna get two Seydels for Christmas (session blues and 1847 classic) and a few cheap easttop ones- those are great but often require some adjustments so i wouldn't recommend them for beginners either.

[@joephillips4082]

Don't forget the recessed reed plates. I love the Special 20.

[@pandaholica7467]

My first harmonica when i was a kid was one of those cheap Hohner harmonicas. i ended up losing it and recently bought 3, Seydel blues session steel. already have 2 1847 Nobles on the way, i have a Key of G, C, LD (because i just enjoy how deep it is), the Nobles coming are A, Bb

[@loasidasortiz9716]

You have the same fringe blanket n yellow throw pillows I have, I just wish I would have seen this video before I bought my first set if harps Thks!

[@miriammaldonado7848]

It looks awesome!

[@mwj5368]

You bought your Special 20 for $35! I like to patronize the little guy but a local music store sells them for $54 each!! I thought they didn't over price things and that Hohner was such high quality that is what they sold for presently... but am I ever wrong! Over time I bought 3 Special 20's from them... but no more! What is the more professional model with Hohner? I think Bob Dylan plays a Marine Band, but not sure. I think on the box they show the Special 20 as being a choice of professionals too, but maybe my memory is wrong. thanks for a great video!

[@kas23698]

"And all that jazz" mmm, I see what you did there.... 4:03

[@Mir1189]

Hm. I got recommended Hohner Blues or Marine Band in G (not to play with acoustic guitar) 15 years ago. Later, same year I took Hering Free Blues with plastic comb and it was more comfortable to learn how to play on it. I learned like three songs, and little improvisation but that was it and I picked it again now. I recommend to start with harmonica which has plastic comb and isnt rough on the lips. Unfortunately my first harmonica was very rough on the lips and wooden comb was swollen quite fast. Cheaper Hering felt much better in this regard, but the sound isnt that good. Just ordered Hohner Meisterklasse MS in D, to learn some more advanced stuff. Comb is aluminium so it wont get swollen, as wooden ones. Reeds are slightlly thicker and nickeled. I dont expect to damage or to wear it out so fast. Anyway I am very courious to try out some Suzuki harmonicas, as the brass reeds are not that common.

[@roytube10]

great video! i've got a friend wanting to start so i sent him the link too! i had a freebie that was OK (got for free from a Phil Duncan workshop). I told him not spend much time with a cheapie though, and this video will give him the reasons to drop 45 bucks on something. wood combs are great now, but when i started i slobbered all over those things to where the comb came way beyond the plates lol! Variety is the spice of life though, so agree with having several brands and styles etc.

[@Pew_Meister]

I wanna take up playing! Will use the one you suggested and also subscribe. Thanks for the content.

[@miriammaldonado7848]

That's exactly what I got!

[@cwby1978]

Thanks for the information

[@N2Yeshua777]

I'm starting on the Rocket Amp .

[@nosreuter]

Hey Tomlin, got an harmonica for Christmas and I'm really excited to try your 4 week free course for starters! The harmonica I got is a "Learn to play" harmonica from Schylling. I find it hard to produce notes from hole 6 and up, especially the higher ones, without blowing/drawing hard. I've heard you and many others mentioning trying to relax and draw like if your breathing from the back of your throat and using your diaphragm but it still takes a lot of air and I'm starting to wonder if it's the harmonica I have that's difficult... I'm coming from partying the saxophone so this way of playing is course feels quite different. Have your heard of this Schylling "Learn to play" model (it has the notes and numbers printed on top) Really appreciate your feedback. And most importantly, from the videos I've seen on KZbin so far your both an excellent teacher and amazing harmonica player so thank you SO much!!

[@station4358]

I was curious if everyone had that saliva issue aalll the time when playing😂 that was honestly a useful tip

[@usernamemykel]

WAY too many negative reviews on Amazon (for instance) about Hohner's lack of quality control over the last few years, badly gapped or machined reeds primarily. I've gotten away from them, towards Suzuki and Lee Oskar, apparently much better quality control.

[@alistairdinmore292]

Thanks so much for these great videos. I’ve been singing some Bruce Springsteen numbers and it was fantastic to add the harmonica riff to The River, solely by following your excellent tutorials. As a little token of appreciation I bought the Hohner Special 20 using your link and was able to pick it up on my last visit to the United States but it was quite a challenge as I live in the UK. Any chance you could add affiliate links that will work for your UK-based fans? Thanks!

[@bolaquadrada3623]

Special 20 is the Best Harmônica

[@hh-ck6ko]

I have 2 of them, both make a really really high squeak on 10 hole and sometimes 1 hole bends. I guess waxing them would help, probably. But other than that, they are great.

[@ikust007]

hh77 Waxing ? Could you explain? Thx

[@hh-ck6ko]

@@ikust007 Applying wax to the base of the reed. It helps to make it super air tight. Or so I've heard, I haven't done it yet.

[@TomlinHarmonica]

@@hh-ck6ko I wouldn't recommend waxing. I would work on playing with as little air pressure as possible :-)

[@hh-ck6ko]

@@TomlinHarmonica It does work, thanks!!! One more time it's not the harmonica, it's me.

[@CROIXsather]

Great video. You need to update your amazon link to one that is avaible.

[@malcolm1367]

Kool dude!

[@svlonestar7645]

Thanks

[@heartlessbuckets8347]

Tonya z.Marshall would definitely be a beautiful teacher of our children

[@normanshred]

i just started learning to play harmonica...the sad part is there's no hohner brands available in my place 😔... so i end up with suzuki...

[@Will-Max]

No amazon where you live eh?

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Suzuki make great harps also :-)

[@ZanityProductions]

(Extreme beginner) question. I've been looking around for a Hohner Special 20 at a decent price, and some of them are classified as "C" and other ones as "C Major". Are they the same or two different variants?

[@mistercrazycat]

as a guitarist usually when people say Key of C they actually mean Key of C Major. they're basically the same thing. saying Key of C is just shorter than saying Key of C Major. it gets more complicated when people start talking about key of C minor as well as key of c major but thats nothing you need to worry about as a beginner. hope that helped :)

[@zChigs]

Hey Tomlin! Great video as always. I started out with a Hohner 20 in C as well. Just a quick question.. The lick you played at the beginning of your video. Could you possibly write it out so I can fuzz around with that? It sounded great! Thanks man. I look forward to your next video. Dars!

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Hi Dars, it is 4 bend then release to a 45 , 4 glis 2, 4+, 3, 3", 2, 2+, 2, 2, 2", 2 :-)

[@zChigs]

Tomlin Leckie Thanks so much for replying! Only see it just now. I’ll go and play around with that for sure!

[@williamhernandez7679]

THANK YOU ...2021

[@user-sy6jf8od3m]

So a hohner special 20 C

[@outroladodomundo01]

Hey Tom, congratulations for your channel! I'm from Brazil and there's no way buying a Hohner here... Do you know about Hering harmonicas? They are from Brazil and seem to be very good. Thank you!

[@ErickaDaze]

I've got hohner special 20, a marine band that our friend is letting us use and some cheapie lil piedmont blues hohners (would not reccomend that one).

[@ErickaDaze]

@Santiago Lecompte I know.

[@tedmullaney8570]

I have been looking for a harp to begin playing. My short list is a Special 20, Rocket, Lee Oskar and the Crossover. I don't mind spending the extra money if it helps make my learning experience easier. Knowing all that ,is the Special 20 still your recommendation.

[@peaceiliveby]

My Harmonic is Hohner ECHO & it has 32 holes

[@folantro]

Hello Tomlin. I try to buy a Hohner beginner's harmonica. When I searched Hohner's product finder on their web site, and when I selected music styles like pop and rock, traditional, asian and so on it gave a result that is it showed me MARINE BAND CROSSOVER. I want to play different kinds of music styles like pop and rock, counrty, blues, traditional, classical etc. Is CROSSOVER really suitable for different kinds of music styles? Should I buy this harp?

[@cyounesful]

Thank you ! Plz can we rince a Harmonica? As a beginner I salive a lot;)))

[@Sam-dc9bg]

Hohner pulls out too many stache hairs for me, so I play Suzuki mainly...... no sharp edges and gaps on most of what they offer.

[@bettylinthorst8558]

Henk linthorst I started with bluesband tahn suzuki manji tan lee oskar now Hohner special 20 70 dollar can I schould have started with spec 20

[@damonmavis4113]

Haha! My mouth goes dry when playing with a wooden comb

[@peaceiliveby]

Me too !!

[@steffanyr1038]

@@peaceiliveby which one should i buy for the beginner, but good for jazz?

[@felixgaming3236]

GET A HOHNER 11111111111111111111111

[@ecalzo]

Tomlin I went to the music store and in exchange for two cigar box guitars made by me the owner of the store tossed me a hohner blues harp in c.. it that a good one? thank you

[@Francois6048]

So I've got to buy a Hona? A Owner? KZbin captions really struggling

[@MrPolarisstar78]

Hohner

[@Charkatak]

Good video! I did search for Hohner Special 20 and Lee Oscar in the key of C. The Lee Oscar is better priced compared to Hohner Special 20. Do you think, I as a beginner will be fine with Lee Oscar harmonica?

[@HWolf1990]

Honestly id love to learn to play one just so i can randomly pull it out and start playing when either arguements start or in awkward situations haha. Would be class. Does it take long to be able to atleast play something cool??

[@BlackPanther-lx9we]

Hi Just subscribed ur channel... Thanks a lot for letting me know what exactly i wanted to know. U are amazing👍❤️ Fond regards

[@leilandniedo4718]

How about Suzuki Folkmaster?

[@georgegray5375]

Go with the Suzuki Harpmaster over the Folkmaster. It is a great beginner harmonica for blues.

[@tonycannon3906]

I've just started learning but as I do I bought a load of Harmonicas , all Hohner Blues Band in different keys. I never heard them mentioned much. Have i made a mistake? I like the fell and Hohner is obviously a good make to start with. Any thoughts?

[@servandobaltazar3172]

What is your opinion about the Hohner Big River and the Suzuki Folkmaster?

[@georgegray5375]

If you are looking at low end Suzukis, stay away from the Folkmaster, and go with the Harpmaster. I tried Special 20s when I first started out and kept having issues blowing out the reeds. This is not a knock on the Special 20,but more about beginners not understanding technique.. I switched to the Suzuki Harpmaster and found that it is super easy to play, very durable, and cheaper than Special 20s. For beginners, that is a great way to begin. I still have a couple of Special 20s, and am slowly migrating back to Hohners. They just feel better.

[@mrhouse-wk7vo]

Which one is good for jazz

[@zootallure8913]

If you are a beginner, perhaps you think that the better the instrument, with more quality of construction, materials and perhaps sound, the easier will be to play`t, well..., it is!. If you compare some of the very cheap "brands", to a Hohner Blues or Pro Harp for example (many other brands on this price range!), you will notice a difference, that will be easier to produce a brighter, crispier and satisfactory sound, with your blows. Now, as a beginner, why not to be happy whit the best you can afford?. Believe me, when after a bit of practice, you start to "domain" your Harp, whatever your choice may be, you will have the necessary criteria to another future Harp choice (if necessary!). Durability is a concern for "heavy" players, also we have to consider some common beg. mistakes (dirty mouths per exp.) that are very destructive. Essential perhaps, to give a bit of thought to what types of music we like and if we can include a Harp (on the right key), in a harmonious way. Do your search, but please be aware, that in a demonstration, any "recorded" or reproduced sound, will not be equal to the sound you experiment directly from your instrument to your ears. So many feel disappointed by initially thinking, that their instruments do not sound as good as the ones they ear in their favourite songs.

[@mistercrazycat]

I was given a Hohner Old Standby in the Key of C. Would you recommend getting a Hohner Special 20 C Harmonica as well. I know my Old Standby is Made in China and currently costs around £13 on Amazon and that the Special 20 is Made in Germany and more money so it's build quality is probably better by a lot but just curious on your opinion.

[@folkerwolf]

I'm new and will be joining your site for lessons I bought a special 20 progressive the chart shows it does not play blue s should I buy a different hohner?

[@RustyNacho]

Love all the videos. I just got a seydel session steel last week and was going to get a special 20 as a second but didn't know if it's a bad idea to start on a session steel or if I should get a special 20 and save the seydel for a couple weeks/months until I'm better? Or should I be fine? Just dumb beginner questions 😂

[@TomlinHarmonica]

The Seydel Session Steel is a good harmonica too - it will require a firmer touch though

[@notbraindead7298]

Thank you for asking the dumb beginners guestions. It saved me from having to ask.😊

[@noeleconomos4773]

Howdy Tomlin! Is the Hohner Golden Melody a good one to start with?

[@ikust007]

Noel Economos bought one: was very disappointed but it only imo

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Hi Noel - personally I love the GM but I don't think they are great for beginners

[@nidhalrchidi290]

Wouldnt it be okay to start with this as a beginner ? Hohner - M560616X, Diatonic Harmonica Special 20 Country in C, thank you

[@slq3263]

Hi Tomlin. I'm changing from Chromatic harmonica to diatonic so I will be starting your course soon. Just a quick question for a friend of mine who has just bought a Tremolo harmomica. Can he use diatonic tabs for the tremolo? Many thanks

[@TomlinHarmonica]

Hi Sarah, I'm afraid not - they are different layouts. sorry about that.

[@33tejashagarwalla19]

I am absolutely new to playing music, like I have never ever played music before, so is it ok if I start with harmonica??

[@TheOnlineBusker]

I get that C is good for education material, but isn't an A harp better? Most blues is in E, so to be able to play along....better with an A, no? With a C, you have to go hunting far and wide to find a blues in G......I might be wrong, am I?

[@TomlinHarmonica]

The C is definitely good for educational material but it is also good because it is a mid-range (musically) instrument. The lower keys are harder to bend the low notes on and the high keys are harder to bend the high notes on. The C is the easiest instrument to get started on. Then you will get an A, D, G, Bb, F :-)

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Tomlin Leckie Cool yeah!

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

I agree that special 20 is a great harp until I discovered Dabell

[@denismurphy5558]

Would you recommend a hohner special 20 for an advanced beginner?

[@mayjar1]

How old is this video ? £25 for a Honer special 20 ? I clicked the link to buy one so you'd get some commission. But every special 20 I could find was in the region of $99+. (£80) Marine Bands half that price. Looks like a Marine band for me.

[@ezrabarton8236]

What about a fender like the guitar brand

[@corky1548]

need a key d harmonica .not see for tambourine man what best cheap 1 to buy

[@1mysteryman]

I have a Hohner Marine Band in C. Is that OK or would a special 20 be better? Thanks.