also what key should i get it in? Diatonic.
And you want to "cross-harp" meaning using a harp that is a fourth higher than the song you are playing -
i.e. Blues in the key of "G" - you would want to use a "C" harp.
By cross-harping, you can draw in for the I7 chord and blow out for the IV chord. This is a matter of personal preference. There are many examples (George Smith, William Clarke, Rod Piazza) of excellent chromatic harmonic in blues.
However, for a beginner, you should probably start with diatonic. Start with a C harp, then, if you get into it, get the keys of A, D, G, Bb, F, next. This will allow you to play over many blues tunes.
There is a wealth of harmonica information online. Search for harmonica instruction on youtube. Some great teachers on there: jamcamp06, kudzurunner, jasonricci, and ronnieshellist. Get a Honer Marine band in the key of "D". Some blues players use chromatic harps, but it's hard to bend the notes and they are expensive. The 'D' harmonica plays A blues, which is a key that guitar players like to play the blues in. It's also easier to play than the 'A' harmonica (E blues, another guitar favorite) because the notes are higher (the lower the pitch the more difficult to play). The lowest pitch is a 'G' (D Blues), and highest is an 'F' (C Blues).
In my experience, the Honer Marine band lasts longer than the other models (they do wear out after a while and you have to buy new ones).
When you're ready to try out other keys, find out what keys you're guitar-playing friends like, and/or songs you like to play along with.
Some add'l tips:
-To play an 'A' note on a harmonica labeled "D", blow in the 3rd hole.
-label your harmonicas with the blues keys with tape (always a 5th above the printed letter) so you don't have to transpose on the bandstand.
-Harmonicas are never perfectly in tune, so always have the guitar player your jamming with tune to 440 on a tuner instead of tuning by ear to a single note on the harmonica.
-The best way to learn harmonica is to listen to the greats and copy their solos. I was particularly inspired by Little Walter, Junior Wells, and James Cotten (they all played with Muddy Waters). It does my heart good to see all the great answers. If you are a beginner, diatonic is the place to start. Most of the great Chicago blues harp players played diatonics. Little Walter occasionally deviated away from one to a chromatic. Also, most of the expert West Coast guys already mentioned Clarke, Smith, Piazza, and a few others play a chromatic. Personally, I find it more useful for jazz.
I would start off buying harmonicas in the key of A (cross E), C (Cross G), D (Cross A), D flat (Cross B flat), E (Cross B), F (Cross C) and either a high or low G (cross D). Marine Band, Blues Harp, Special 20s, or if you can afford it Lee Oskars. I personally prefer Special 20s. Marine Band's wood guts sound good but can get warped and cut up your lips. Blues Harps are that way too, but are more durable. Oskars are a little bit on the bright side as far as tone sound. Special 20s are bright a little as well, but with their plastic guts but durable reeds can give you decent bang for your buck.
Next is learning how to bend, scales, and cool licks that you can pick up from listening to the masters of then and now or by picking up a self-teach book/video. Diatonic on the surfaced, but James Cotton, Phil Wiggins, Carrie Bell.....all those guys have used chromatic...it has a richer, "bigger" sound...I've tried, but, alas, all I can do is "French Cafe" sounding stuff |
