RE[Harp-L] modes and positions

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

Most traditional Irish tunes are modal in nature.  I learned hundreds by ear 
before I even knew what "mode" or "position" meant.  "Major" tunes are 
nearly all in Ionian or Mixolydian modes, but I discovered a couple that I 
was playing in Lydian mode, 12th position, i.e. in the "key" of G on a low D 
harp.  "Minor" tunes are in Dorian mode, so 3rd position (the majority), or 
Aeolian mode, 4th position.  The fact that I was cheerfully playing all 
these modes/positions, blissfully unaware that here on Harp-L and elsewhere 
there were angst-ridden discussions going on about how to do it, has led me 
to the conclusion that its often best to see the harp as a bunch of notes 
waiting to be played rather than a complex beast with almost as many 
positions as the Kama Sutra!  ;-)

Steve


http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica
HEAR my CD clips: http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm
READ review of my CD: http://www.irishmusicreview.com/sshaw.htm