| Also called a "blow-organ", a melodica is an | | | | commonly with Jamaican reggae and dub |
| instrument with a free-reed system, similar in use | | | | musicians. Some of the most notable melodica |
| to a harmonica and an accordion. With a musical | | | | players include Monty Alexander, Paul "Bonehead" |
| keyboard on top, a melodica is played by blowing | | | | Arthurs, Martin Gore, Julia Nunes, Paul McCartney, |
| through the mouthpiece found on the one side of | | | | and Alison Goldfrapp. |
| the instrument. A key opens the hole to allow air | | | | Types of melodicas |
| to flow through the reed. The musical keyboard | | | | Types are primarily classified according to their |
| featured is normally about two or three octaves | | | | range. Consequently, melodicas have slightly |
| in length. | | | | different shapes depending on their range. |
| A brief history | | | | Melodica tenor - a low-pitched melodica, a |
| It was Hohner who was credited for inventing the | | | | melodica tenor has the left hand holding a handle |
| melodica back in the 50's or 60's. But there were | | | | at the bottom while the right hand is in charge of |
| also claims that a Brooklyn musician named | | | | the keyboard. Alternatively, a melodica tenor may |
| Joseph Lederfine was the one who invented the | | | | be played using both hands. To do this, a tube is |
| instrument for use in teaching the fundamentals | | | | inserted into the hole of the mouthpiece and the |
| of music to children. Regardless, the first time | | | | melodica is laid on a flat surface. |
| that the melodica was considered to be a serious | | | | Melodica soprano and alto - while higher-pitched |
| musical instrument was when Phil Moore, Jr., a | | | | and featuring thinner sounds than melodica tenors, |
| jazz musician, used it for his album in 1969. Since | | | | melodica soprano and alto, however, are played in |
| then, the melodica has been associated most | | | | the same way as their tenor counterparts. |