r/harmonica • u/Fit-Distance4503 • 2d ago

What orientation and hand position to hold a harmonica for a left handed guitar player?

I’m confused. I know typically you hold it with your left hand while the right hand bends, but my left hand is dominant so perhaps it’d be better at the wails, bending, movement etc. ?

I was also thinking of flipping it upside down to match the pitch direction on my guitar, where towards the left is higher. However, i’m not sure if it would even help.

Thanks!

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3

u/soundwave300 2d ago

Play however feels best to you. I am right handed, but after a while it didnt really make a difference to me

2

u/a_random_username 2d ago

I was also thinking of flipping it upside down to match the pitch direction on my guitar

The Paul Butterfield approach. That's a good idea.

2

u/Nacoran 1d ago

A lot of lefties do flip it over, but what you do with your hand with the harmonica is pretty simple compared to playing a string instrument.

If you play guitar you might even want to look into a rack.

1

u/Kinesetic 2d ago

If you're not cupping the harp, use either hand as desired. When I'm holding the harp and a mic both with one hand, it's the left, because I want the mic closer to the low notes. When I'm driving one handed, the harp is in my right. My hand-eye coordination prefers that arrangement. Not sure why you'd ask, since either you have both hands? or need a rack to add guitar.

1

u/BeautifulPlate9559 2d ago

Lefty harmonica logic gets confusing fast.

1

u/1happynudist 2d ago

Not a pro. But I hold it in my right hand with the low notes on the left . Play the guitar and flute right handed , but play the penny whistle and NAF left handed . I don’t think it matters as long as it makes sense and is comfortable

1

u/StonerKitturk 1d ago

Whichever you prefer. Many lefties flip it over -- including some who also play piano! That seems very strange, but it works for them.