Learning Harmonica

[RyRob813]

I've only played bass for a long time, but after learning more about music theory, and getting exposed to many different styles of music, there's a whole slew of instruments I want to play.

Harmonica is definitely on the top of the list. I'd like to just start out with a cheap harmonica, probably in just one key, and see where I get, before I actually go the whole way.

My question is: I learned there's many different types of harmonicas. Which one is the most common, or the most versatile to have? It seems that the 10 hole diatonic would be the answer from what I've found. Is that correct?

Thanks!

[tplyons]

Diatonic in the key of C or G.

Oskar Lee is my preference but a Hohner Blues Band isn't a bad harp either.

[bassteban]

Yeah, get a few in different keys(in addition to C, G & perhaps F, I suggest E & A; they go well w/a lot of guitar-driven rock & blues)& blow, daddy. IME, a very intuitive little instrument.

[grovest]

Harmonica is a really cool contrast to the bass. If it matters to you, be warned that it is the butt of many jokes and seems to have status equal to the accordion (coincidentally a very similar instrument) among many musicians. The Lee Oskar is a good choice to start on because it has a plastic comb (easier maintenance), removable covers and serviceable internals (as a beginner you are likely to gunk up and detune the reeds), and a neat sound. Don't buy any of the diatonic Hohners "below" the Marine Band / Special 20. A new harmonica that caught my attention is from Suzuki, with rosewood comb and covers... snazzy. And start with a diatonic, I think, before a chromatic.