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What is a harmonica? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
With its hard-to-miss sound that may remind you of a train whistle, the harmonica is one of a kind. Rectangular in shape, this musical instrument makes noise when the player blows out or sucks in air through holes in the side. Inside of these holes are thin strips called reeds, which vibrate as the air passes over them, making sounds we know as musical notes!
The holes in the harmonica can make different notes depending on whether the player is exhaling (blow out) or inhaling (sucking in, or “drawing”). This may sound easy enough, but playing the harmonica well takes lots of practice!
Harmonicas are often made of a wooden or plastic body covered in shiny metal. Many can fit right in your pocket!
Harmonicas are used to play different types of
music, such as jazz, country folk, rock and roll, and blues. In fact,
sometimes a harmonica is called a blues harp, French harp or mouth
organ!
