Re: [Harp-L] Modes, was 3rd Position Tunes

["Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

JP:
> i never argued that modes and positions were not
> related. in fact, i've posted about that alot here.
> but Mike said they weren't the same thing and you
> asked why not, i'm only answering your question.

And I appreciate your answer. Perhaps I'm guilty of reading too much into 
things.

Positions are positions, not modes or keys it's true. They are however more 
related to modes than to keys.

No matter what key harp I pick up, 2nd position always has all the notes for 
the Mixolydian, 3rd position all the notes for Dorian, etc. The position 
only becomes relative to the key after doing a bit of circle of 5ths mental 
gymnastics and choosing the appropriate key harp. Thinking of modes with 
respect to positions, if I can play a tune in some position I can play in 
any key by changing harps. If I don't think of that, and attempt to think of 
it as a key, I may or may not be able to play the tune. That's the point.

> that is all. again, my point was only that positions
> and modes are not identical. yes, they are related,
> they're just not the same.

You can certainly understand or discuss modes without ever mentioning a 
harmonica. It's difficult to understand or discuss harmonica positions 
without modes rearing their head. I agree, they are not synonyms. I inquired 
about "Technically, positions do not equal modes". I asked because the 
technical truth that the words are not synonyms does not make the 
relationship less useful.

I'll leave it alone, you answered the question, I get your point, and 
probably Mike's.

Peace and music,
Dave