What is a diatonic harmonica?

Answer by  user21 (361)

This simply means that the harmonica can play two octaves. There are some varieties that are twice as long as a standard harmonica, and others that are the same length, but one octave is stacked on top of the other. The stacked version is preferred because it allows for more tones in a single breath.

Answer by  maoconn7 (27)

A diatonic harmonica is one that is designed to play in one key although you can force the reeds to play notes outside of its specified key.