Menu
Experts Interviewed
Harmonica's Tested
User Feedback
The sound of a chromatic harmonica stands out amidst many other instruments. Hollywood has had many famous scores played on this instrument with a unique tonal quality.
As it is easier to pick up than other wind instruments and really portable, the chromatic harmonica quickly became popular after it was introduced, it’s a great travel companion. Harmonica is also called mouth organ because you play it by blowing air with your mouth into the holes, controlling the air pressure, and creating music.
There are many different types of harmonicas and today we will look at the best chromatic harmonicas for beginners.
Based on its build type, harmonica can be of around six types. They are – chromatic harmonica, diatonic harmonica, tremolo harmonica, orchestral harmonica, ChengGong harmonica, and pitch pipe.
The chromatic harmonica can be identified as it contains a sliding bar within it. The bar regulates the air pressure to create different notes. The bar is activated with a button on the body of the harmonica. If the slider is not active, the harmonica will play single notes, similar to a diatonic harmonica. The set of notes you acquire after pressing the button and activating the slider are half notes.
Unlike the chromatic harmonica, a diatonic harmonica can only play single notes through each hole. The holes in this type of harmonica are placed with equal distance from each other.
The tremolo harmonica is also made in a way that each hole plays only one note, but the note is constituted with a sharp and a flat tone produced by two reeds.
While the aforementioned harmonicas are generally used as lead instruments, the orchestral harmonicas are used as a part of an orchestra, as the name suggests. They are of two different types – the melody harmonica and the chord harmonica.
One can find as many as eight varieties of the melody harmonica. The one which is most commonly used is a horn harmonica. It is available in various pitch ranges, from bass to treble. These harmonicas are used in Asian orchestras, the way a chromatic harmonica is used in American and European orchestras.
As the name suggests, the chord harmonicas are available in 48 chord options, where blow in each hole may produce a chord.
ChengGong is a relatively complex type of harmonica, capable of playing both chords as well as single notes.
Lastly, a pitch pipe is used as a reference for musicians and vocalists, as it can play the base notes.
As per the pitch range, the tonal quality and playability, for beginners, a chromatic harmonica is advised. However, there are variations and factors to keep in mind.
To begin with, the number of holes varies from instrument to instrument. Chromatic harmonicas generally have 12-16 holes. A 12-hole chromatic harmonica will generally have 48 notes.
With an increasing number of holes, the range increases with more bass than treble added to it. For a beginner, something up to 12-hole chromatic harmonica suits just fine, and once you get a hang of it, you can gradually go up the hole number to increase difficulty.
Chromatic harmonicas need special care as older harmonicas have a chance of rusting. This will eventually make it very hard to play. Hence, you need to check when the instrument was made and if it is in good condition.
Also, you can check if the harmonica is pinned together or screwed together. Harmonicas work the best when airtight, so picking a screwed together harmonica is the best option. As they are screwed together, you will be able to change the reed plates if any problem occurs, which is not possible with pinned together harmonicas.
Though there are many keys available in the market, it is suggested that you go for the one playing at C because this is the most common key for all instruments.
Now that we’ve learned about chromatic harmonicas, let us look at some of the best chromatic harmonicas for beginners, which we hope will give you a proper understanding before you buy your first instrument.
Let us start with one of the harmonica specialists. Though Swan Music Store also manufactures melodicas and recorders, it is their vivid range of harmonicas which has created a reputation.
Most musicians either playing or aspiring to play harmonicas know this brand for their quality of product and unbelievably low pricing. Let us look at the feature of one of Swan’s most popular models – the SW1040.
Key Features:
All its features and finish surely make it one of the best beginner-level chromatic harmonicas.
Moving on to yet another very popular chromatic harmonica – the Eison professional-grade chromatic harmonica. As the name suggests, it is used by professional musicians.
But Eison’s formula has made playing it easier than other professional-grade chromatic harmonicas, thus making it a good investment for serious students. Below are the features which put it in the list of best beginner harmonicas.
Key Features:
A very durable and easy to play harmonica for the beginners, the Eison chromatic harmonica is budget-friendly as well, and a great choice.
Suzuki is a renowned name in the instrument market and needs no introduction. Just like all their products come with the promise of great quality, the Suzuki harmonicas have also proven to be great. Suzuki has launched their Chromatix series which is a series of deluxe level chromatic harmonicas. Let us quickly look at its features.
Key Features:
One of the best quality harmonicas, this model by Suzuki will be a great option for all the beginners.
Brands such as Hohner have been producing top quality instruments for a long time and have a trust factor. Besides other reed instruments, Hohner is the maker of some of the finest chromatic harmonicas.
Their range of chromatic harmonicas is called the chromonicas and has been a crowd favorite since they were launched. Here is what makes these chromonicas special and just perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
A very heavy duty chromatic harmonica with very smooth operation, the Hohner Chromonica can be a worthy investment for serious students.
Known for its variety of string instruments, Kmise has ventured into manufacturing harmonicas, and their formula has been a success.
They have used tried and tested combinations to bring to the consumers some pocket-friendly professional-grade products which have received a great response from the buyers. Today, we will look at Kmise’s 40 tones chromatic harmonica. Here are these features which make it unique.
Key Features:
All these features along with Kmise’s brilliant customer service surely makes it one of the best beginner chromatic harmonicas at its price.
Yet another Hohner product on the list, and given the kind of quality their products have, it is hardly a surprise. Their Super 64 is undoubtedly one of the most successful chromatic harmonica models in the world and a discussion about this instrument is incomplete without this masterpiece.
Key Features:
This popular model of Hohner, for the successful combination of features, surely is one of the best beginner-level chromatic harmonicas money can buy.
In a relatively short time, Anwenk has created a good reputation with its specialty harmonicas. We are looking at their chromatic harmonica today, which has been well received by beginners and professionals alike. Below are the instrument’s features.
Key Features:
Impressed with the features? It sure will make a great beginner’s chromatic harmonica.
Yet another company that specializes in harmonicas. East top’s variety of harmonicas makes it one of the most renowned manufacturers who ship their products worldwide. We are today looking at their chromatic harmonicas. Here are the features which make it one of the best beginner-friendly chromatic harmonicas.
Key Features:
The harmonica specialists Swan has plenty of different models of harmonica, one of which we have already discussed. Now, we will look at another model – one of their most aesthetically beautiful pieces – the SW1248. Let us not waste time and look at its technical aspects.
Key Features:
The final product on this list also comes from the house of Swan, and is yet another masterpiece. Though this is an intermediate level instrument, it is easy to pick up for novices. Here are the features which put it in the list of best beginner-level chromatic harmonicas.
Key Features:
We have discussed various brands which offer chromatic harmonicas and looked at some of the best, most popular models in this read.
I hope these help you save your precious time which you can now be put in learning the skills of playing this beautiful, melodious instrument. All the best for your first chromatic harmonica and get ready to go on your melodious journey.
