Frequently asked questions about chromatic harmonicas

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IF YOU CAN PLAY A CHROMATIC IN ANY KEY, WHY DO
SOME CHROMATICS COME IN DIFFERENT KEYS?

There is a great advantage in learning to play in a variety of keys on one harmonica, but a different blow and draw pattern is required for each key played. Playing different scales or keys on a single harmonica is called "playing in different positions". For example, if you play music in the key of C on a C harmonica, then you're playing in 1st position; if you play music in the key of G on a C harmonica, then you're playing in 2nd position. The ability to play in multiple keys takes lots of practice, and is necessary for jazz and other modern forms of music that often presents a shift from one key to another within the same song. However, playing in 1st position allows greater use of chords. The following chromatics are available in a variety of keys: Super Chromonica and the CX-12.

WHY DO 4 & 5 BLOW AND 8 & 9 BLOW OF MY
CHROMATIC PRODUCE THE SAME NOTES?

The duplicated note in the chromatic is the key note, which by being doubled, allows for the same blow and draw pattern in any octave.

WHY ARE THERE PLASTIC REEDS ON THE CROMATICS?

The white plastic reed-like parts are not reeds, but wind saving valves, which allow for greater volume and tone at a lower breath pressure.

(866) 616-4277	1st-In-Harmonicas	(740) 382-0770
NO SALES TAX Except OH	Marion, Ohio	TO YOUR DOOR FAST
Home	Ordering	Harmonicas
Ukuleles	Harmonica Forum	Guitars
IF YOU CAN PLAY A CHROMATIC IN ANY KEY, WHY DO SOME CHROMATICS COME IN DIFFERENT KEYS?
There is a great advantage in learning to play in a variety of keys on one harmonica, but a different blow and draw pattern is required for each key played. Playing different scales or keys on a single harmonica is called "playing in different positions". For example, if you play music in the key of C on a C harmonica, then you're playing in 1st position; if you play music in the key of G on a C harmonica, then you're playing in 2nd position. The ability to play in multiple keys takes lots of practice, and is necessary for jazz and other modern forms of music that often presents a shift from one key to another within the same song. However, playing in 1st position allows greater use of chords. The following chromatics are available in a variety of keys: Super Chromonica and the CX-12.
WHY DO 4 & 5 BLOW AND 8 & 9 BLOW OF MY CHROMATIC PRODUCE THE SAME NOTES?
The duplicated note in the chromatic is the key note, which by being doubled, allows for the same blow and draw pattern in any octave.
WHY ARE THERE PLASTIC REEDS ON THE CROMATICS?
The white plastic reed-like parts are not reeds, but wind saving valves, which allow for greater volume and tone at a lower breath pressure.