The melodica has a unique sound, with a tone resembling like a
combination of the harmonica and an accordion. The sound can
be manipulated by blowing techniques that the player uses.
Techniques such as using the tongue for short, staccato notes or
using a light breath to create softer legato notes are very
common. In general, playing single notes will sound louder with
more attack, while playing several notes together (chords) will
sound softer with less attack. Other playing techniques include
varing your breathing for a tremolo effect and pressing on the
keys only halfway to ‘bend’ the notes.
Augustus Pablo
Melodicas began to be used as a
serious instrument in the 1960's by
composer Steve Reich and Jazz
musician Phil Moore Jr. The melodica
is now used by musicians worldwide
in many different genres of music.
Jamaican
Dub
and
Reggae
musician Augustus Pablo used the
melodica extensively in the 1970's.
The band New Order used melodicas
prominently in the 1980's. In fact,
melodicas
have
become
very
popular in indie folk and indie rock
music.
There are three types of melodicas:
Soprano & Alto: Higher pitched,
thinner sounding tone.
Tenor: Lower pitched tone.
Bass:
Lowest
pitched,
least
common melodica. These tend to be
the largest and most expensive
melodicas.
New Order
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