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

[Don Whitener <whitener@xxxxxxxxxx>]

At 08:32 AM 3/30/2006, JP wrote:
>  just because you start on one
> note of the scale built into a harp doesn't mean
> you're in a mode because then literally everything you
> play on a harmonica (or any other instrument for that
> matter, they all have the same notes) would be mode.
> every scale starts on some note of what could be
> considered a 7 note scale.

I think that this is precisely the case... If you assume that you 
have a harmonica in the key of C Major, this chart will succinctly 
summarizes all of this:

http://www.banjolin.supanet.com/modesandscales.htm

Note that the modes are diatonic and that bends or other alterations 
must not be used to be truly modal.  Of course, the same patterns and 
modes (which are key independent) would apply to harps in other 
keys.  It just a matter of which note of a major scale is used for a 
starting point of the modal scale.

If you apply the circle of fifths to find positions, then you see 
that the positions are directly related to the modes.  Again, by 
definition in this case, no bending or other alterations are allowed 
to stay strictly modal.

CDon