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

["Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: "IronMan Mike Curtis" <ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> If I choose to play it in, let's say, 5th position, the mode will  still 
> be mixolydian, not phrygian as we might assume if we choose to  view 
> diatonic as "unbendable".

Yes, the tune "Old Joe Clark" is mixolydian, and 5th position offers up 
notes for phrygian. The low end of the harp offers up lots of notes that are 
accidental to the mode associated with the position. Therefore, players who 
can bend notes often play out of mode.

> > There is harp life without OBs, but bending is essentially  essential 
> > :0).
>
> Why is one valid and the other invalid?  Perceived difficulty?   Bending 
> has a level of dicfficulty, too, and not all diatonic players  bend. 
> Should we dismiss it out of hand because some players don't/ can't bend? 
> And if we accept bending, why should we reject OBs out  of hand because 
> some don't/can't use them?  They're all valid tools.

I get what you are saying, anything that you do to play the music you like 
seems valid to me. If I learn to OB I'll probably decide that it's as 
essential as bending becomes to those who bend. Some folks play at the high 
end of the harp, avoiding bends, and still play good music.

> The fact that it's *easier* doesn't make it "inherent".  The word 
> "inherent" means "existing in something as a PERMANENT, ESSENTIAL, or 
> CHARACTERISTIC attribute."  Of the three defining words, we might  argue 
> "characteristic", but that argument is <ahem> inherently weak.
>
> Returning to "Agreed, for the moment", by using valves (windsavers)  on 
> bendable reeds (1-6 draw, 7-10 blow), it becomes possible to bend  the 
> normally unbendable notes of the diatonic as single reeds bends,  using 
> ones internal resonance to pull the pitch downward.  This is  the method 
> I've chosen to play chromatically on my valved Lee Oskar C  diatonic.

Interesting, I just googled it and found 
http://members.tripod.com/diatonic/Valves.html and 
http://www.coast2coastmusic.com/diatonic/valving.shtml  Thanks.

> Is it CONVENIENT to loosely view positions relative to modes?  Sure.   I 
> do.  You do.  And I'd truly be surprised to find anyone who doesn't  to 
> some degree.  But in the big picture, viewing positions ONLY in  terms of 
> modes and convenience is erroneous and misleading, and if  we're not 
> careful, could limit our harmonica playing.
>
> I hope this clarifies my comment.

Yes, thanks.

Peace and music,
Dave