Re: Harmonicas & Mandolins
What NDO said, mostly. The cross harp method he mentioned is usually used for blues and rock. Reason being the notes in the pentatonic scale for that key on the harmonica fall nicely in line with the chords on the backing instrument corresponding to the other key. Just to eliminate confusion, it's best to think of the difference as five keys - each half-tone being a key - rather than the three he mentioned, being steps in a scale (I think).
But for the kinds of songs you're playing, it's generally preferable to play "straight harp" - the same key as the song. How you determine the key of a song isn't always - though often - dependent on the most commonly appearing chord in it. The best indicator is which chords are used and how. For example, if a song contains G, C, and D (I, IV, V) and starts and ends on G, it's a pretty safe bet that's the key. If a song resolves at the end of a verse with a D then a G (V-I), it's in G.
I've almost always used Hohner, believing them to be the generally accepted standard. I know they are more expensive than one would think; the days of $5 harmonicas seems long gone. Musician's Friend has less expensive ones, which may not be worth the savings. Keys to have are usually G, C, D, and A. Depending on the keys of the songs you're playing, of course. Those last two will also be very useful if you ever play a blues in A or E, common keys for the blues. Bear in mind that a capo can be adjusted easily up or down a fret in order to suit the harmonica; most singers' vocal ranges can adjust accordingly. What I mean is, if you play a song with the capo on the third fret (for example), and you're using G key chords so you're in Bb, but don't have a Bb harp, try moving the capo down a fret and do it in A. That sort of stuff. You don't want to have harmonicas in keys you rarely play in. That would get expensive quickly.
Good luck, and keep at it! You'll get there.
But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller
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