Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica Karma Sutra

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Two easy answers: 

1. "C Harmonica Book" by James Major (Mel Bay, $7.95) which explains 
everything you ever wanted to know about the Circle of Fifths and positions and 
other scales graphically. He provides a harp layout for each position and mode 
and scale. You have to order this book; I have never seen it in any 
bookstore or music store. This is chuck full of drawings and illustrations -- along 
with harmonica tablature and a little bit of music notation.

2. "Harmonica for Dummies" by Winslow Yerxa ($21.99 -includes a CD) 
available in many bookstores and music stores.

Order them both to make sure you can understand what's going on.

The C Harmonica Book (part of Mel Bays the Complete 10-hole Diatonic 
Harmonica Series-- available in all 12 major keys) gives you a diagram for 1-6 and 
12th positions. In fact, the books are mostly charts and graphics, with 
just enough text to explain what's going on.




Both books are available at Amazon.
Hope this helps.
Phil Lloyd







In a message dated 7/8/09 2:01:59 PM, derwood.blues@xxxxxxxxx writes:


> I am having a hard time getting this 12th positions concept. I get 2nd
> position for playing the blues scale and 3rd position to play minor keys
> (when you don't have a minor harp, of course). But beyond that I don't get
> the "why".
> 
> Is it to play songs that are written with notes outside of the standard
> scales?
> Is it because the songs are written in the "non standard" scales?
> Is it a genre thing?
> Is it a challenge issue to push ones ability?
> 
> I guess I am a blues guy at heart and like 3 chords and 5 notes. I am 
> truly
> interested in understanding why some of you are playing in all those other
> positions. I am not criticizing, I just don't get it. It seems like the
> farther away from 1st position you get, the more you are limited (or
> challenged to bend precisely).
> 
> I would love to hear your thoughts.
> 
> Derwood
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
> 
> 




**************
Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals. 
(http://personals.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntuslove00000003)