harmonica

Definition

A small, portable wind instrument played by blowing and drawing air through metal reeds to produce musical notes. Available in various types (diatonic, chromatic, tremolo), it's known for its accessibility to beginners and its prominent role in blues, folk, and country music.

Example Usage

The street musician played a melancholic blues melody on his harmonica, drawing a crowd of curious listeners.

Origin

From German 'Mundharmonika' (mouth harmonica), combining 'Mund' (mouth) and 'Harmonika' (harmonium); invented in early 19th-century Germany and popularized globally.

Fun Fact

Bob Dylan famously played harmonica on his early folk records, and the instrument remains a staple in blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson II's legacy.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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