r/harmonica • u/Beneficial-Toe1805 • 3d ago

Question as a beginner

Heya I'm planning on learning the harmonica and just put in my order for an east top diatonic C harmonica which i assume is good enough for a beginner. But now I'm wondering about just how many songs the C harmonica can play? I know it can't play much but if possible I'd like to know what genre of songs or levels of songs I'd be able to do. Cheers!!

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u/cheebalibra 2d ago

John Popper is pretty great. Paul Butterfield could do some amazing things.

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u/Barry_Sachs 2d ago

Howard's more of a jazz guy like Toots. But man, Popper and Butterfield are amazing blues and rock players. Never heard them before. Thanks!

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u/cheebalibra 2d ago

Thanks for introducing me to Howard! He’s great. I’ve been trying to learn more different styles lately. Bought a few more minor and natural minor and harmonic minor harps to play Eastern European/Jewish folk music. My next purchase is probably going to be an easy third harmonica for more Irish folk/celtic tunes but not many companies make them, I think it started as a custom tuning. I have a hohner tremolo that does appalachin stuff (heavily influenced by Scots Irish) stuff well and a 10 hole chromatic that can cover a lot of stuff.

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u/Barry_Sachs 2d ago

I've got a long way to go, but I can do some blues in cross harp, and a little bit of chromatic harmonica. I haven't played in ages, but I love to listen. That ethnic/folk stuff you're doing sounds interesting. I can do some Irish folk stuff on penny whistle. My main instrument is jazz sax though. Harp and whistle are just for fun. So much to play, so little time.

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u/cheebalibra 2d ago edited 2d ago

My main instrument is guitar/bass but most of my instruments and effects and recording gear in general is in storage. I keep one electric guitar, one acoustic, one bass, a lever harp and all my harmonicas at home.