Re: [Harp-L] re:modes and positions

[IronMan Mike Curtis <ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 30, 2006, at 4:52 AM, rainbowjimmy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> JP wrote "why limit yourself to a discussion of
> just the easiest ones to play?"
>
> I say, why not? Some songs work better in certain positions.  
> There's E minor
> tunes that work better in 2nd, 3rd, or 5th. I pick the position  
> that easiest
> for that tune, the one with the least bends, the one I can pick out  
> the melody
> easiest.

Of these three, IMHO the best position for playing minor is "none of  
the above".  4th is by far my favorite position for playing in minor  
mode.  And I use it a lot for major modes, too.  3Dbb 3D 4Db 4D 5B  
6Bb 6Db 6D.  It's not hard - really.

> As far as black keys and white keys, truck loads of old rock and  
> roll piano was
> in C and G.

Yeah - like Honky Tonk in G.  (Ooops - that's in F :-)  But even if  
in the keys of C and G, more often than not black keys are used.

Would Mozarts compositions have been as great sans sharps/flats?  I  
find the mere notion frightening.

But I agree with Jimmy.  If he chooses, it's his decision to approach  
harmonica on whatever level he desires, and I wholly support it as  
such.  Ignore sharps, flats, accidentals, bends, overblows, and  
valved bends if you choose, but please don't deny their existence for  
the rest of us.  By the same token, please remind me to be as  
gracious any time I forget.  Jimmy's a great guy and I'd never want  
to alienate him over something so trivial.



--IronMan Mike Curtis
ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Great songs! Amazing videos!   www.myspace.com/ironmancurtis