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. 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.

The Different Types of Harmonica – What is a Chromatic Harmonica?

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.

Things to Consider When Buying a Chromatic Harmonica

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.