Re: Learning Chromatic

[Ri58066217@xxxxxxx]

Probably the best way to learn to play in different keys on the chromatic is
to learn how to read music.  Of course you can get a bunch of chromatics
tuned to different keys, and then you can take a harmonica in the key of D
and play the key of D arrangement by ear on the harmonica.  However, the best
way is to just learn how to play the harmonica from the musical score.

Now, if you want to transpose a piece of music from one key to another, you
can do it a couple ways:

For instance, the music is in the key of C and you want to transpose it to
the key of D.  You can write down the C scale, and underneath it write the D
scale::

C D E F G A B C
D E F# A B C# D

Now, if the first note in the first measure of the piece of music is say C,
you look at the D scale and see what note is under the C.  It is D.  So, your
first note would be D.  Now you can take the time to write out the transposed
notes on another blank sheet of musical score to transpose each an every note
in the piece of music to get from the key of C to D.  That is very time
consuming. 

Also, you can take a computer with musical software, and key in the music
into the program and just hit a key to transpose the music to another key.

Another way, is to determine how many steps up it is from C to D.  There is
one step between the C to D.  That means that you can now play every note in
the C music one step above what is printed on the sheet of music, and you
will be playing in the key of D.  That is known as transposing at sight.
 Very difficult for many keys.  However, you can practice doing this with
very easy pieces of music.

Actually, there is no really easy trick to do what you want.  It just takes
time and practice to be able to learn how to read music.  That is really your
best bet.

Now, if you will send me your mailing address, I will send you a application
for a subscription to The Harmonica Educator newsletter.  The newsletter
supports harmonica education, and provides up-to-date info on harmonica
teaching and learning at all levels of playing (e.g., beginner through master
level players).  I write primarily about the chromatic harmonica.  Eddy Mason
just sent me an article I will be publishing in the Winter 94 issue.  Pat
Missin, from England, will become a regular writer on the diatonic and blues
harmonicas.  His first ariticle will appear in the April 95 issue.  I hope to
get other writers on the chord and bass harmonicas.  

Richard Martin