It comes with three octave ranges of 48 tones and it’s quite easy to play. A 12-key chromatic harmonica in the key of C is also the most recommended for those seeking their first chromatic. The 12-hole chromatic is available in any of the 12 keys of the Western scale but C is the most preferred by pros. A 14 or 16-hole chrome can do the same too.Ĭhromatic harmonicas are available in 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 holes. Well, the G 12-hole chromatic covers they typical range of violin tunes. Perhaps you want to play a tune that was initially written for violin that uses higher notes that are unavailable on a 12-hole chromatic.

An Fm chord is not playable in a C chromatic but there won’t be a problem in a D or Eb chromatic. For instance, it’s unthinkable to play an E and an A simultaneously on a harmonica, but it’s pretty much possible with a chromatic harmonica in G or A. That said, a chromatic harmonica with its variety of keys has some major benefits. Not to mention the bulk one has to carry around with them. Obviously, that means one has to have 12 distinct chromatic harmonicas so as to cover all the 12 keys, and it will be an expensive thing to do. When they want to play a tune in another key, they rarely go for a different key of harmonica. Some players specialize playing everything in the key of C. A chromatic harmonica makes it possible to play a tune in any key because it has all the 12 notes of the Western scale in each octave. What are the benefits of having a chromatic harmonica?Ĭhromatic harmonicas are designed with many different keys, which sounds somehow strange.

Chromatic harmony