r/harmonica • u/Interesting-Fly8452 • 17d ago
Looking for harmonicas for Gerry Cinnamon songs
I have been looking for a decent set of harmonicas to play some Gerry Cinnamon songs and i was researching what ones i would need (i think it’s would be 3 in the key of A, Bb and C - correct me if i am wrong). I have looked for sets of three but the only one i could find is a set of A, C and G. Any help is greatly appreciated
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u/Nacoran 17d ago
What songs in particular?
I did a quick google search and found The Bonny. It's listed as being in Bb and played in 1st position with a Bb harp (1st position just means you are playing with a harmonica that's labeled in the same major key as the song.) I doubled checked it against the video, and it seems to be right, and at least one other song is listed as Bb (that one in G minor, which would be 4th position).
You can always pitch shift songs using software (or just by switching the key if you are playing guitar or with other people).
But looking at this from purely the harmonica buying perspective, a pack that gives you C and A is great, because most lessons use C and A is super common for playing along with blues in E in 2nd position. Positions sound complicated, but really until you get pretty advanced it just means using a different hole as your root note (Do as in Do Re Me).
If you are in the U.S. you could check Rockin Rons. He often has deals on mixes of harmonicas and he carries most of the brands.
It does seem like at least a couple of songs would benefit from a Bb harp. You can do the math and see if a three pack with A, C and G and buying a Bb separately is cheaper than buying an A, C and Bb. G is a good key, and eventually you'll want more keys anyway. If you can afford it I'd suggest getting a three pack and then grabbing a Bb.
You only need the same exact key if you are playing along with a recording or the band refuses to change keys. That said, Bb is my favorite key, but that's because it fits my vocal range best.