Re: [Harp-L] Modes, was 3rd Position Tunes



From: "IronMan Mike Curtis" <ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
If I choose to play it in, let's say, 5th position, the mode will still be mixolydian, not phrygian as we might assume if we choose to view diatonic as "unbendable".

Yes, the tune "Old Joe Clark" is mixolydian, and 5th position offers up notes for phrygian. The low end of the harp offers up lots of notes that are accidental to the mode associated with the position. Therefore, players who can bend notes often play out of mode.


There is harp life without OBs, but bending is essentially essential :0).

Why is one valid and the other invalid? Perceived difficulty? Bending has a level of dicfficulty, too, and not all diatonic players bend. Should we dismiss it out of hand because some players don't/ can't bend? And if we accept bending, why should we reject OBs out of hand because some don't/can't use them? They're all valid tools.

I get what you are saying, anything that you do to play the music you like seems valid to me. If I learn to OB I'll probably decide that it's as essential as bending becomes to those who bend. Some folks play at the high end of the harp, avoiding bends, and still play good music.


The fact that it's *easier* doesn't make it "inherent". The word "inherent" means "existing in something as a PERMANENT, ESSENTIAL, or CHARACTERISTIC attribute." Of the three defining words, we might argue "characteristic", but that argument is <ahem> inherently weak.

Returning to "Agreed, for the moment", by using valves (windsavers) on bendable reeds (1-6 draw, 7-10 blow), it becomes possible to bend the normally unbendable notes of the diatonic as single reeds bends, using ones internal resonance to pull the pitch downward. This is the method I've chosen to play chromatically on my valved Lee Oskar C diatonic.

Interesting, I just googled it and found http://members.tripod.com/diatonic/Valves.html and http://www.coast2coastmusic.com/diatonic/valving.shtml Thanks.


Is it CONVENIENT to loosely view positions relative to modes? Sure. I do. You do. And I'd truly be surprised to find anyone who doesn't to some degree. But in the big picture, viewing positions ONLY in terms of modes and convenience is erroneous and misleading, and if we're not careful, could limit our harmonica playing.

I hope this clarifies my comment.

Yes, thanks.


Peace and music,
Dave






This archive was generated by a fusion of Pipermail 0.09 (Mailman edition) and MHonArc 2.6.8.