Fwd: Re: Join discussion: Diatonic IS Chromatic, Isn't it?

["Winslow Yerxa" <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Alex brings up the point that what we call something limits how we 
think about it.

A harmonica whose reeds by default produce the notes of a diatonic 
scale is nonetheless capable of a good deal more than than might be 
suggested by that fact - it can play in keys other than the labeled 
key and can produce notes outside the default set, even a full 
chromatic 12-tone scale and beyond.

But we call it "diatonic" by way of referring to its default pitch 
set, and to the extent and type of usage envisioned by the creators 
and marketers of the instrument.

The intent embodied in the structure of the instrument does not limit 
the uses to which the instrument may be put. The name, however, does 
imply limits that do not in fact exist.

Now, let's look at the "chromatic" harmonica. This instrument also 
comes in multiple keys like its "diatonic" counterpart. Interesting. 
That could imply several things, but one thing it does seem to imply 
to many is that it is essential an instrument to be played 
diatonically though it does have access to additional chromatic notes 
when required - and some instructional writers have treated it so.

When we look at the actual practice of a great many players of 
the "chromatic' harmonica, what do we find? They play it diatonically.

One group of players, mainly caucasian and influenced primarily by 
popular music of the first half of the twentieth century, plays the 
instrument almost entirely in the labeled (I almost wrote "tonic") 
key (usually C) or, by pressing in the slide and playing in an 
identical fashion, a seitone higher.

Another group of players, born mostly after 1950 and influenced by 
African American blues of the 1950s, plays the instrument in the 
dorian mode pitched two semitones above the labeled key or, by 
holding in the slide, in an identical manner but pitched a semitone 
higher.

Curious, no? The demonstrated capabilities of the instruments and the 
actual practice of the majority of players bear no relationship to 
the default set of pitches on the instruments or to the according 
labels.

As to asking the question on Slidemeister - depends on how you ask. A 
few years ago I got kicked off for awhile after asking it in an in-
your-face way. A more philosophical manner might be better accepted. 
Still, entertaining the question means breaking the no-diatonics rule 
even if it does shed some light on how we think about "chromatic" 
harmonicas.

WInslow