What's the EASIEST harmonica to bend?

Liam Ward
Dec 10, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Jun 5

In today's free harmonica lesson, we'll be looking at which harmonica is the easiest to bend. We'll explore different bending harmonicas and which harps are the best for learning to bend.

First off, not all types of harmonicas will bend in the same way. Most people want to play diatonic harmonicas - also known as blues harps. These are the harmonicas I play and the type we'll look at in this lesson.

There is no perfect key for bending. You'll probably want to use a key of C harmonica to start with. This is a mid-range harmonica which probably makes it easier for most beginners to bend. That said, it's worth experimenting.

In terms of make and model, it all comes down to quality. You get what you pay for. The cheapest harmonicas will be really difficult to bend. You don't need to spend a fortune - a top-end custom harmonica is not necessary in order to learn to bend - but a good quality harp will definitely make bending notes a lot easier.

Here are some links to good quality diatonic harmonicas in the key of C:

Hohner Special 20 - key of C

Seydel Blues Session Steel - key of C

Hohner Marine Band - key of C

I receive a small commission if you buy through any of these links.

For a video version of this lesson, watch below:

All of this information comes with a massive disclaimer: no matter which harmonica you buy, your success (or otherwise) with bending notes will come down to your own work ethic and determination. Some people get it right away, others take longer. That's fine, we're all different. Good luck!

Thanks for taking this lesson. I hope you enjoyed it!

P.S. Check out my Bending Harmonica Lesson to learn more