Re: [Harp-L] MAJOR CORRECTION: Position to Mode Relationships

["Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: "Robert Coble" <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxx>
> Please note that I rearranged the table, based on the 7 scale degrees (and
> modes based on each scale degree) in sequence, rather than on the position
> numbers.

In some ways it is useful to show it in circle of 5ths (positions) order.
 http://trinity.psnw.com/~dlmurray/squarecircle.html

As you can see, if you use the key of C Ionian major as the reference, as 
you work through the circle, the notes that you fix (accidental to the mode) 
to make it Ionian major again are the notes that you put the sharp and flat 
symbols on for the staff. For the harp, if you change the harp key, the name 
of the note that is accidental to the mode changes, but it's position in the 
scale, and most importantly, on the harp, stays the same. Very useful.

Regarding the blues scale and it's relationship to modes; it's the blues 
pentatonic with a flat 5 added. That means that the notes of the blues scale 
are all present on your harp except for that accidental flat 5 with 3rd, 
4th, and 5th position (look at the bottom of the link above). 3rd is popular 
because no OBs are required at the low end of the harp (two consecutive 
octaves).

You must bend more notes in 2nd position to get the blues scale but I think 
that blues players prefer the sound of bent notes. The other reason for 2nd 
position popularity for blues is that the blues scale is often played over a 
major I-IV-V progression and Mixolydian has I-IV-v (major I & IV). the 
Dorian has i-IV-v (only the IV is major). Yes, you can bend into major chord 
arpeggios but few people can play the chord.

So, it is true that going the easiest position (most available notes) isn't 
always the most desirable, or popular, path. 2nd position only has one 
complete octave that requires no OBs but more people play the blues in 2nd 
position. Is the major I chord the reason? I don't know, perhaps one of the 
list's many good blues players can answer that..

Peace and music,
Dave