Re: Re: [Harp-L] 6 ob dumb question

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

fjm wrote:
> I know I should be able to figure this out on my own but so far 
> I've had no success.  6ob on a C harmonica, Bb, what's the scale 
> interval in 3rd position?  

Richard Hunter wrote:
> Flat 6th (Bb is the flat sixth degree when the root is D, which is 
> third position on a C harp).  This is consistent with an Aeolian 
> mode (same as 2nd position on a Natural Minor harp).

Once again, let's not confuse positions with modes.  Specifying a 
position (3rd) doesn't tell us what *scale* we're playing.  Third 
position is most commonly associated with Dorian mode, in which case 
the 6OB (Bb on a C harp) is a flatted 6th:  

D E F G A (Bb) B C D
1 2 3 4 5 (b6) 6 7 8

The same is true using the notes of Ionian (major) mode:  

D E F# G A (Bb) B C# D
1 2 3_ 4 5 (b6) 6 7_ 8

In Aeolian mode (natural minor), however, the Bb is the natural 6th 
note of the D scale:  

D E F G A Bb C D
1 2 3 4 5 6_ 7 8

-tim