Re: [Harp-L] Which key to get now?

[Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 17, 2012, at 12:32 PM, Jay Anderson <cfijayanderson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> The available keys they have are:
> Ab, B, Db, Eb, E, F#, Low D&F#, High G.

Though you can play the blues in all keys, the ones you list are seldom used in the mainstream blues. Others more knowledgable than I are welcome to disagree, but in my experience, the typical blues keys are A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G. 

It is worthwhile get the others. Then you'll have a fully stocked arsenal. So when some bandleader calls a tune in B/Cb you'll reach into your weapons cache and brandish that F#/Gb so you can play in second position.

-B

Bob Cohen
Writer, Internet Consultant, Teacher
w: bobjcohen.com
t: #itsabobworld