Re: [Harp-L] Which harmonica key to use?



Nothing beats getting the key from another musician or from a chart before the song starts. However, if the band is already playing, I suggest the following.

Songs begin with a variety of chords and notes. For this reason, the first chord or note of a verse is NOT a reliable guide to the key However, the vast majority of songs END on the tonic chord (the chord with the same name as the key) and on the note "do" (the note with the same name as the key).

If you can recognize the final cadence (the last few notes and chords at the end of a verse), then you can find the (cross) harp with that last note of the song on hole one draw or the last chord on the holes 1-2-3 draw.

If you are going to play straight or first position, then find the harp with the last note and chord of the verse on holes 1-2-3 blow.

Beginners who don't read music and are unfamiliar with music theory already depend on what they hear rather than what they see. For this reason, I think that they will find it simple and straight forward to match a note or chord from the song to the same note or chord on a harp.

This can be practiced with recordings. The more you practice the quicker you will find the correct harp.

Because I play guitar, I can look at the guitarist's hand to find the key. However, I think that it would be extremely impractical for a harp beginner.

Vern





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