The key of the harmonica determines which notes can be obtained. A diatonic harmonica in C will have the notes of the C major scale, spread across 3 octaves. The first and third octaves are incomplete. In the first octave, the IV and VI degrees are missing (for example, if the harmonica is in C, the notes F and A are missing), in the third octave the VII degree is missing (for example, if the harmonica is in C, the note B is missing). The second octave is complete. The second draw hole and the third blow hole produce the same note, the V of the major scale (G if the harmonica is in C, A if the harmonica is in D, etc.). Since there are 12 possible keys, there are as many diatonic harmonicas for each key.
The 20 blown and drawn notes, in some musical genres, such as pop and folk, are sufficient to play many pieces. However, they are insufficient for other musical genres, such as blues, jazz, and for pieces of other genres, where notes not included in that key are present. Therefore, to expand the expressive possibilities of the instrument and increase the number of obtainable notes, it is necessary to acquire particular additional techniques including Bending, overblow, and overdraw.
The H20 32 39 Method introduces a very simple note reading system for diatonic harmonica through the use of colors. This chromatic approach transforms the learning experience, making the understanding visually intuitive.
H20 - Normal Notes (Key of C)
H32 - Normal Notes and Bending Notes (Key of C)
H39 - Normal Notes, Bending Notes, Overblow, and Overdraw Notes (Key of C)
Educational Support
To accompany the method, new educational tools have been developed:
- Videos illustrating the notes through colored symbols, guiding the learner with precision and clarity on the emission of the note and its duration.
- Scores enriched with indications detailing the hole to be played, the type of note (based on the colors described above), and the name of the musical note.
- MP3 files to practice effectively, regardless of the use of visual aids.
Educational content for beginners
Harmonica Starter Reference
Exercises and simple pieces to learn to play correctly on all single holes; Execution of the ascending and descending major scale with some variations; Execution of simple groups of notes in time along with increasingly complex riffs.
Educational content for non-beginners
EBOOK HBBQR
(HARMONICA BOOK BENDING QUICK REFERENCE)
An essential eBook for anyone looking to master the bending technique on every hole of the harmonica. This comprehensive guide includes 168 bending exercises in all keys. Download it for free by clicking here, and feel free to share it with anyone who wants to improve their skills! 😊