[Harp-L] Chromatic

[Robert Bonfiglio <bon@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> In theory, we should all learn to play in all 12 keys -- especially  
> on the
> chromatic where we don't have to worry about bends and overblows.  
> But most of
> us  don't have that kind of time.

As I have taught many people to play chromatic, I disagree highly.   
If you don't try to bite off more than you can chew, you could  
practice one scale, AND ONLY ONE SCALE, for a whole week with it's  
arpeggio and in 24 weeks you would know all major and minor scales.





>  Even if we understand the layout of the chromatic harmonica and music
> theory and how it relates to the harmonica and can sight read -- at  
> half speed  or
> less -- our way through some standard pop tunes, we soon realize the
> limitations of the C chromatic. While in theory the C chromatic can  
> "play" in  all
> keys; it is no piano and it really can't.

Part of this statement is true, the chromatic is no piano, the  
harmonica can crescendo, have vibrato, change tonal colors, bend  
notes and do all kinds of things the piano can't.  It CAN play it all  
the keys and depending on the piece, very odd keys may lie better  
with a certain piece than others, well, just like the piano.

As Winslow already astutely pointed out, a key like B Major might  
have some really cool advantages for a certain piece, like playing  
the 2nd and the 7th, B and A together.

Harmonically yours,

Robert Bonfiglio
http://www.robertbonfiglio.com