Q: What kinds of music have harmonica in them?

A: Harmonicas have been used in almost all styles of music. Of course pop,
country, blues, folk music and jazz are the most obvious styles, but
harmonicas are also heard in reggae and hip-hop settings. Also in classical
music harmonicas are used, but unfortunately here the harmonica is often
considered an inferior instrument. Also in classical music harmonica is a
bit of an overloaded term. It can refer to lots of exotic instruments that
can sound more notes at the same time, and that are not regularly found in
a symphonic orchestra (glass harmonica). There used to be a special music
style for harmonica bands based upon the trio of bass, chord and
chromatic, but unfortunately it is not played a lot anymore — BB


Q: What kind of harmonica is used in the different styles?

A: In the following music styles diatonic is mainly used: Blues, Country,
Folk, Rock and Roll. In the following music styles chromatic is mainly
used: Classical, Jazz, although nowadays in Jazz diatonic harmonicas are
also used. However, these are played fully chromatically, using
overblows/overdraws or special valves. Bass and Chord harmonicas are rarely
found in modern music, however sometimes they are used. An example is the
Bass harmonica used in the Beatles’ song “Mother Nature’s Son”. Tremolo and
octave tuned harmonicas are used mostly in “traditional” or folk music.

 

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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