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Introduction When you gently blow into a harmonica—often called a harp in blues culture—a tiny metal reed begins to dance. This simple movement marks the birth of a sound that can be warm, bright, soulful, or explosive. But what exactly happens inside a harmonica when you blow or draw? Today, let’s uncover the complete journey of how the harmonica transforms airflow into music. 1. Airflow: The Beginning of All Harmonica Sound Both blow (exhale) and draw (inhale) can activate the harmonica’s reeds. This mechanism is called free-reed vibration, the same principle behind accordion and Sheng. A simple analogy: Air is like wind passing through a narrow window gap—pushing the metal reed into vibration. Without airflow, the harmonica remains silent. 2. Reed Vibration: The True Source of Sound Each hole of a harmonica contains one or two reeds. When you blow or draw, air pressure pushes the reed outward, causing it to swing rapidly through its slot. This vibration produces sound