Guitar & Harmonium: Best musical instruments to learn.

We are going to discuss about features of Guitar & Harmonium. These are two popular choices If you want learn music. You can start with any of these instruments. Those who are interested in strings instruments can play Guitar. Those who are interested in Keyboard instruments can start with Harmonium. If you are a beginner then you should understand the important features of Guitar & Harmonium.

So, Let’s discuss the features of Guitar & Harmonium

First of all, we will discuss features of Harmonium. Harmonium is the easier instrument to learn for beginners Learning harmonium will help you master the basics of music. You will get sound knowledge of Sur, if you learn classical Ragas on Harmonium. Once you get the knowledge of melody, then it will be easy for you to learn any instrument like Guitar. Strings instruments are bit difficult to play. But with good knowledge of melody, it gets easier.  

Harmonium was invented in Paris in 1840 and was brought to India in 1900’s

One of best features of Guitar & Harmonium is we can play both classical and western songs on it. On Harmonium, classical & devotional songs are most popular choice to play.

Harmonium is of two types. One is foot pumped and other is hand pumped harmonium. Player pumps a foot pedal and sends air to the keys/reeds in foot pumped harmonium. While, in hand pumped air is sent through a hand pedal on it.

We can say, it’s a mini version of piano. But the way of playing Piano and Harmonium is different. On piano you can use your fourth finger to play the melody. But in Harmonium, fourth finger is not allowed. Though they are similar, they sound different.

Beginner classical singers learn singing with the help of Tanpura and harmonium. They practice with these two, to be in a scale and sur. Harmonium was not founded in India, however it’s been a vital part of classical music here, for a long time.

Harmonium plays important part in Bhajan and Kirtan along with classical & semi classical music. It also creates a devotional feeling along with Tabla or Dholak.

Harmonium is played in important events in India like Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav in Pune.

Now let’s discuss the features Of Guitar

Guitar is a string instrument mostly used in western music. On harmonium we can play only lead but on Guitar both chords and lead can be played. In western music chords are played more often.

Guitar is difficult instrument to play compared to harmonium. To master basics on Guitar it needs lots of practice and patience. Minimum six months are required to perfect the basics on guitar.

Though Guitar is a pure western instrument, some guitarists also play classical music on it. You will find lots of videos on YouTube and other platforms in which Ragas are played on Guitar.