Most diatonic harmonicas have the numbers 1 to 10 stamped into the top cover, so that side is the top. When you play the harmonica, the lower notes should be on the left, so that as you play from left to right the notes play from low to high. You should hold the harmonica in your left hand, with the end of it pushed against the “web” between your thumb and forefinger. The thumb and forefinger grip the harmonica lying along the bottom and top respectively, as near to the rear of the harp as possible.

The remaining fingers on the left hand should be held tightly together to form the top of your “cup." The “cup” is the airtight “sound chamber” you will be trying to create behind the harmonica with your hands. Use your right hand to form the bottom of this sound chamber. Practice making the “cup” as air tight as possible. When it is airtight you can feel the pressure of your blowing and drawing against your hands. When you get a good airtight cup, you can open and close it with your right hand while playing, and get that well known “wah - wah” effect.