Melodica

The melodica is a free-reed instrument similar to the accordion and harmonica. It has a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. Pressing a key opens a hole, allowing air to flow through a reed. The keyboard is usually two or three octaves long.

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Tenor melodicas are the most common type of melodica. The left hand holds a handle on the bottom, and the right hand plays the keyboard. Tenor melodicas can be played with two hands by inserting a tube into the mouthpiece hole and placing the melodica on a flat surface.

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Soprano melodicas are thinner than tenors and are designed to be played with both hands at once; the left hand plays the black keys, and the right hand plays the white keys.

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Popular melodica manufacturers include Hohner, Samick, and Bestler.

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Augustus Pablo popularized the use of the melodica in reggae music.

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The rock band R.E.M. featured melodicas in songs Find the River and Boy in the Well. The latter included a melodica solo.

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British animated band Gorillaz uses the melodica frequently, specifically in their self-titled debut album, in which the instrument is featured in the popular singles Clint Eastwood, and Tomorrow Comes Today.

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