[Harp-L] Blues Scale / Shapes

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've really been enjoying the posts on this subject because it points up 
how wonderfully varied the approaches are of some of the most accomplished 
players on the list.

Even though I have expressed some opinions now on this subject, the truth 
is that I haven't thought about a scale or note in my own playing in 
centuries.  If I'm asked to play a scale degree I can go right for it, but 
left to my own devices I use the shapes we all have in our heads, I never 
think about a scale pattern.

I love connecting them, playing parts of one and then suddenly lacing into 
part of another, all that stuff.  I have to think that lots of diatonic 
players think like that as their heads get populated with their own set of 
shapes.  Some people have a personal relationship with the various notes or 
scale degrees, but mine are with the shapes.  When I discover a new one 
it's like making a new friend.

There could hardly be anything more subjective than how a seasoned player 
addresses his/her axe.  I'd be interested in reading the thoughts of harp 
players of both breeds (diatonic and chrom) on how they 'see' the notes and 
phrases they're playing.

Ken




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