Lee Oskar Pocket Chord Harmonica

$175.00

In stock

Need it today? Check local retailers near you.

Lee Oskar Pocket Chord Harmonica (LOPC-G): Eight Chords in the Key of G

Rhythm accompaniment on a harmonica. The Lee Oskar Pocket Chord plays full chords in the mid range, so one player can back a melody the way a rhythm guitar would. Key of G, chrome covers over a black comb, in a padded zip case.

Chord harmonicas have normally meant large, specialist instruments built for harmonica orchestras. The Pocket Chord puts the same role in something that fits a jacket pocket and costs a fraction of what an orchestral chord harp does.

Eight Chords, Chosen for the Key

The cover plate carries all eight: C, Am, G, Em, D7, B7, A7 and F♯7, marked in pairs directly above the chambers they sound from.

That set is not arbitrary. In the key of G it gives you:

  • G, C and D7, the I, IV and V7 that carry most folk, country, blues and pop songs.
  • Em and Am, the vi and ii, for the minor color a progression needs to go anywhere interesting.
  • A7, B7 and F♯7, the seventh chords that set up turnarounds and let you move around the circle of fifths rather than sitting on three chords all night.

In other words, a working vocabulary rather than a demonstration. Most songs in G are playable on it as they are written.

Built to Play With Others

The cover plate calls it a Pocket Ensemble Harmonica, and the Key of G Pocket Chord is pitched to sit in the middle of a three-piece:

Bass, rhythm and lead, three players, one key, nothing to plug in.

Made in Japan by Tombo

Manufactured for Lee Oskar by Tombo Musical Instruments, the same partnership behind the rest of the Lee Oskar range. Chrome cover plates, brass reed plates, black moulded comb, and a padded black zip case branded for the instrument.

Product Details: Lee Oskar Pocket Chord Harmonica, SKU LOPC-G. Key of G. Eight chords: C, Am, G, Em, D7, B7, A7, F♯7. Chrome covers, brass reed plates, black comb. Padded zip case included.

Weight 4.94 oz
Dimensions 5.79 × 1.10 × 1.46 in
Select Key:

Key of G

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chord harmonica for?

It plays chords rather than single notes, filling the rhythm role a guitar or piano would take in a band. It lets a harmonica group accompany itself instead of relying on another instrument.

Which chords does the Pocket Chord play?

Eight, all marked on the cover plate: C, Am, G, Em, D7, B7, A7 and F♯7. Together they cover the I, IV, V7, ii and vi of G, plus three seventh chords for turnarounds.

What does the Pocket Chord pair with?

The Lee Oskar Pocket Bass in G underneath it, and a Major Diatonic in C played in 2nd Position above it. All three land in the key of G.

Why is a C harmonica in the key of G?

Because most players play in 2nd Position, also known as Cross Harp, which puts a C harmonica into G. A player already reaching for their C harp is in the right key without changing anything. For more information see Understanding 1st / 2nd Position.

Do I need to read music to play it?

No. The chords are named on the cover plate, so if you can follow a chord chart or a song sheet you can play along. It asks less technique than a diatonic does, since there is no bending involved.

Is the Pocket Chord part of the Lee Oskar Harmonica System?

No. The interchangeable reed plates, covers and combs are specific to the Major Diatonic, Melody Maker, Natural Minor and Harmonic Minor harmonicas. The Pocket Chord is a different instrument with its own construction.

0
CART
  • No products in the cart.