Harmonica

wind instrument · portable · blues music · easy to learn

Played with your mouth. You hold a harmonica up to your lips and use your breath to push air in and out through different holes. By changing which holes you use and how hard you blow, you can play different notes and melodies.

Reeds make the sound. Inside each hole is a tiny metal reed made of brass, stainless steel, or bronze. When your air makes the reed vibrate, it opens and closes to create the sound you hear, kind of like how your vocal cords work when you sing.

Popular in many styles. Harmonicas are famous in blues and folk music, but they show up in jazz, country, rock, and even classical music. Many legendary musicians use harmonicas, which is why you've probably heard them in songs.

Fits in your pocket. A harmonica is tiny and light, so you can carry it anywhere. This makes it perfect for busking on the street, playing around a campfire, or bringing to a friend's house.

Simple but clever design. A typical blues harmonica has ten holes and twenty reeds total, with some reeds for blowing and some for drawing air. This simple design lets you play a whole bunch of notes without any complicated buttons or keys.