Q: What keys should I buy?

A: Diatonic harmonicas come in at least 12 different keys corresponding to
every available pitch of the chromatic scale, some which are repeated an
octave higher or lower. Some keys are more useful to have than others. A
good starting set are the keys of C, G, A and D,. esp. if you play along
with guitarists who favor open chords. If you are more apt to play along
with horns, the flat keys come in handy, namely F, Bb, Eb or Ab. As you
become familiar with playing different ~positions~ (see below), the
question of ~which keys~ will become easier.

Chromatic harmonicas usually come in C and G. Some are available in Eb and
other keys. Since every note is relatively easy to obtain on a chromatic,
and since they are usually used as single note instruments
(linear/melodies), playing positionally in any of the keys is much more
common than on a diatonic. Hence there has been perceived to be less need
for as many different keys as there are for diatonic (among other reasons)
— HA.

 

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Playing "Help-Me" In the Style of Sonny Boy Williamson II: A step by step, note for note analysis of some of Sonny Boy's Signature Riffs