The Chromatic Harmonica - part 1, introduction. Diatonic Vs. Chromatic

[@Jim-Wade]

Many years ago I bought a Diatonic and an eight hole Chromatic. The missing notes frustrated the life out of me and I was busy with life and put both of them up. I recently inherited a 23 hole Tremolo that belonged to my Grandmother and that sent me looking for the ones I'd bought. I found the Chromatic but the Diatonic is missing. So, I ordered another Diatonic and quickly remembered how frustrating it is. At 77 I doubt I'll ever have the patience to figure out and develop the skill to use the thing. I've played accordion, organ and piano and my brain is geared to a keyboard. I can pick up the Chromatic and Tremolo and play tunes by ear quite naturally, so I'm pleased to find you and others promoting something other than Diatonic. I'll be watching you videas to improve my technique. Glad I found you.

[@kazhilly]

@@Jim-Wade thank you so much!!

[@wmeelod]

Hello, sir. I am a diatomic harmonica player. I started to play diatomic harmonica 2 years ago. My first harmonica was tremolo harmonica. I had just ordered a chromatic harmonica. I heard that chromatic harmonica has more vary keys in same harp than others kind of harmonica. Thank you for sharing knowledge about harmonica. 😀🙏

[@SA-ze3yf]

I think not only you are a great instructor and musician but also a good person which is even far more important.I am sure music lovers and especially harmonica players, we all appreciate your sharing your knowledge and experience with us.Thank you very much indeed.

[@kazhilly]

Thank you so much for your kind words and your support!!!

[@dorothytackett8631]

Thank you the beginning of lovely adventure .

[@kazhilly]

Thank You so much Dorothy!! Enjoy the journey, take your time and “travel” at your leisure!!

[@MrSanthoshs88]

Most underrated channel here in youtube. You are a gem sir!!

[@kazhilly]

Thank you Very much!!

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

👍 👌 👏 Hilvert is the only person on Social Site.. Who genuinely deliver what he means unlike other blokes that I know on the Internet.... A very knowledgeable and a Humble lad indeed.. It's pleasure to know him on Facebook and also Skype.. How I wish that I had more time to continue learning about Chromatic Harmonica.. Especially reading Notes...Greetings to Hilvert from Lohbrügge Hamburg.. Awesome Video 📹 once again.. Take Care! 🙏

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

You rightly showed Diatonics their place. I've just bought a 24-hole chromatic harmonica, the cheapest available here in Karachi. Once I have mastered the basics I'll move to a 12-hole chromatic.

[@georgidimitrov6054]

Most awesome explanation I ever watched about harmonicas! Very well done! Bravo!

[@kazhilly]

Wow, Thank You so much, so glad it helped you!!

[@barryboyall8437]

Perfect explanation of the difference between the diatonic and chromatic harmonica I was unable to find elsewhere.

[@exiled_londoner]

Interesting and informative. I normally play the diatonic harmonica or 'Blues Harp' (several of them in seven different keys in fact) but I've also had a chromatic harmonica for many years and bash out a tune on it every once in a while so I'm interested to see the differences explained in a simple and intelligible manner. Also, I'm intrigued by this bloke's accent, which doesn't quite sound native English but has obviously been influenced by many years of living in the UK, with inflections which sound a little Brummy but with hints of the North.

[@kazhilly]

@@exiled_londoner thanks!! The bloke is me, and the accent is not native English, you got that right, spot-on. It’s actually Dutch, but I like your guess, I take that as a compliment!! Thanks again, Hilvert.

[@exiled_londoner]

@@kazhilly - Dutch... not very surprising as pretty much everyone I've ever met from the Netherlands spoke perfect English. I suspect that many people there have broader English vocabularies than many of my compatriots (and certainly larger than most of my students/learners when I taught in Adult Education).

[@kenmare16]

Inspired by your genuine enthusiasm. Found your video both interesting and helpful. Thank you.

[@glennrocky7403]

Very informative! Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation. I am a beginner diatonic harmonica player and I am having the same difficulty in bending notes. You have convinced me to finally try chromatic harmonica. You have yourself a new friend and subscriber. God bless!

[@kazhilly]

Thanks Very much Glenn, I’m so glad you enjoyed my video!! There is more to come very soon, promise!!

[@glennrocky7403]

@@kazhilly Thank you. You're an angel. God bless!

[@thomasinlondon2849]

Brilliant explanation, thanks for sharing.

[@kazhilly]

Thanks Thomas, Much appreciated!!

[@Viajandoporlared]

Thanks for sharing.

[@gherre]

what a great explanation

[@kazhilly]

Thank You!

[@ivan_says_hi]

Wow thanks for the explanation. I was actually wondering how the diatonic worked too. I had no idea that the in and out blows where different notes!

[@kazhilly]

Thanks Ivan, I am delighted to know this helped you!!

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Very nice explanation❣️

[@jonahpaz.]

Hi. Where can I find valves for my chromatic harmonica in the USA? I can't find any online store that sells them. Hohner's website ran out of stock for a long time by now.

[@kazhilly]

Hi Jonah, try this, these are the Best valves in the World: www.newharmonica.com/shopping/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=252

[@jonahpaz.]

@@kazhilly Thank you very much!!!

[@aniloberoi]

Lovely...

[@bluesharp59]

Thumbs Up Liked for you bud.

[@leonanoble9192]

I inherited from an old friend 2 hohner chromonica's 64 one is broken end, but they stink so bad and dusty!!!!! I can not play it, as well the reed savers are curled. I would try to fix but am afraid to loose the spring

[@kazhilly]

That sounds beyond help......... maybe time for a new instrument......

[@leonanoble9192]

@@kazhilly then I will have a learning experience, nothing to loose. I will try

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

Good video

[@Subhabrata]

Dear Sir, I beg to differ. A diatonic harmonica got all the notes, including all sharps and flats. We can play them by bending whole notes. Its a complete music instrument like any other. You may refer to diatonic harmonica note layout widely available on Google.

[@kazhilly]

Hi Subhabrata, if you listen to the video carefully, I have mentioned that there are players who can get all of the notes, and I said that I am not one of those people. If you can play the whole chromatic scale on a diatonic, Good for you, but I just can’t do it. Of course we can differ, No problem at all. With my respect.

[@Robert-yk8tx]

Why dont ppl just listen

[@amparmentier]

Hi Hilvert! Thanks for posting this! I played saxophone for 15 years, several of them professionally, and put my horn down years ago due to career/motherhood, etc. I have recently been thinking of playing harmonica since it would be nice to just pick it up and practice on short breaks, and hopefully when I go backpacking. You mentioned the chromatic is better for those who haven't played an instrument before. Would you also suggest it for someone with considerable music background? Or will I make faster progress with a diatonic?

[@kazhilly]

Hi Ashley, Thank you for your comment here. The chromatic harmonica is an Excellent instrument Exactly in your situation, and Oh yes, progress will be much faster for someone like you with a professional background. A harmonica is of course Not exactly a saxophone, and I guess it will take a bit of getting used to where the sound is concerned. But when you get used to the sound, it will be a Great discovery. Thanks again for commenting.

[@bottegin]

Hi Ashley, I would still get a decent diatonic in C. The harmonica is an instrument that is very easy to start but a lifetime of learning.

[@resslerartstudios]

Why is it called a diatonic? Di meaning 2{two} chromatic I understand. As I can play All notes in any key provided I start with right note representing the key

[@kazhilly]

Diatonic means only the main notes in any key: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do, And the notes “in between”, the chromatic notes, are missing. Bagpipes are Diatonic instruments, for that same reason.

[@resslerartstudios]

So that would mean I would not be able to play the scale of G on a diatonic harmonica, because the F# is the missing note😊

[@kazhilly]

Basically, yes. But the way I see it is this: if you want to play in the scale of G, you would need a diatonic harmonica in the scale of G.

[@resslerartstudios]

I understand, i play the diatonic- Dylan, blues, folk, etc I am fascinated with the chromatic and would like to learn as I’ve been practicing my scale -starting out with the key of D where I need to push the button twice. For me it is like learning the piano with my mouth. Something i think would be a lot of fun due to my most recent stroke, my left are has been affected I can still play music I will start watching your videos and I appreciate you

[@resslerartstudios]

My goal would to play any song in whatever key is needed instead of needing 12 plus harmonicas

[@resslerartstudios]

The Diatonic i can blow and pull chords and get away with alot Chromatic is individual notes can provide more “feeling”

[@kazhilly]

@@resslerartstudios in that case, get a chromatic and start practicing your keys and scales.

[@InventorKnight]

Why do you have to say hell so much?

[@pratiksatpathy6696]

Because Harmica is a satanic instrument

[@patricklereverend902]

Tu parles trop on comprend rie

[@Robert-yk8tx]

Learn English and come back