Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce" <lrgrainger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 6:22 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Chromatic


> I am confused about the Chromatic VS Diatonic issue.  If you purchase one 
> Chromatic can you play the same songs and keys as if you purchased all the 
> diatonic Harps?  I am having a hard time grasping this issue .

You can play any song in any key on one chromatic...but there is a hitch. 
The hole/blow/draw/slide  pattern for a given song is different in every 
key.  IF you are accustomed to playing a set of diatonics, this will be a 
probl;em for you, especially at first. In this respect, the chromatic is 
like most other instruments, e.g. piano, flute or guitar.

The chromatic is thus easier for those who read music and are accustomed to 
paying attention to key signatures. An advantage of the chromatic is that 
there are no "missing" notes like the fa and la in the low octave of a 
diatonic that can only be played by bending.

Due to air leakage in the slide, chromatics are less airtight and seem less 
responsive than diatonics.  Chromatics do not have the dominant draw chord 
that Richter tuning provides on the diatonic.

When you select different diatonic harps to play in different keys, the 
hole/blow/draw pattern of a given song remains the same in all keys.  This 
is much easier for "by-ear" musicians who play what they have heard instead 
of what they have read.

If you have chromatics in every key, selecting the harp makes the 
hole/blow/draw/slide pattern the same for the same song and takes care of 
the sharps and flats in the key signature. This system, though expensive, is 
much easier for "by ear" players. In this case, you only use the slide for 
accidental sharps and flats.

Vern
Visit my harmonica website: www.hands-free-chromatic.7p.com