Select Key of Harmonica - Available in 5 Keys
D Melody Maker™
Key labeled in 2nd Position (Cross Harp)
Melody Maker Box
The Melody Maker™ harmonica, with its three altered notes (shown below), is great for playing major scale melodies in the 2nd Position. It is widely used in R&B, Country, Reggae, Pop, Folk, and Jazz, as well as Latin, Afro, and Ska.
Key of D Chart

D Major scale played in 2nd Position on a D Melody Maker™ harmonica.

Major Scale in the Key of D

2nd Position: R&B, Country, Reggae, Pop, Jazz

Begin by strumming a D Major 7th chord to an E minor 7th, playing a Reggae groove.

guitar - chords

On a D Melody Maker™, draw on the lower half of the harmonica for a D Major 7th chord. Blow for an E minor 7th.

Key of D Midrange

2nd Position: Latin, Afro, Clave, Ska

Strum the chords in reverse, from an E minor 7th to a D Major 7th, to play the song “Night Nurse Riddim,” or shift to a Clave rhythm for a Latin or Afro feel.

guitar - chords

The Melody Maker™ lets you play three-chord Ska and Reggae tunes like "007 (Shanty Town)" and "Stir it Up" with the I chord as holes 2, 3 and 4 (draw), the IV chord as holes 4, 5 and 6 (blow), and the V chord as 4, 5 and 6 (draw.)

Key of D Midrange

This three-chord trick can be used in genres ranging from Rock'n'Roll to World Beat.

guitar - chords

For more chords built into the Melody Maker™ tuning, check out this chord reference guide.

Melody Maker Box
But wait! There's more...

Lee Oskar also makes harmonicas in three other tunings: Major Diatonic, Natural Minor, and Harmonic Minor, ideal for creating different harmonic textures and for accompanying different styles of music. Click on the Altered Tuning links above for some great ideas on how to get the most out of your Lee Oskar Harmonicas!