[Harp-L] Modes, keys and positions

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

Geoff,

The seven most common positions  are each related to a corresponding  
mode.  This does not mean that if you play in that position you are  
necessarily playing in that mode, BUT it does mean if you are in that  
position you can play that corresponding mode somewhere on the  
harmonica WITHOUT HAVING TO BEND.

The positions that relate to particular modes (with a description of  
each respective mode) are as follows:

First Position=Ionian Mode (do-re-mi major scale)
Second Position=Myxolydian Mode (major scale with flat 7th)
Third Position=Dorian Mode (natural minor scale with sharp 6th,  
"dorian minor")
Fourth Position=Aeolean Mode (natural minor scale)
Fifth Position=Phrygian Mode (natural minor scale with flat 2d)
Sixth Position=Locrian Mode (natural minor scale with flat 2d and  
flat 5th)
Twelfth Position=Lydian Mode (major scale with sharp 4th)

If you are playing a C harmonica, these seven positions put you  in  
the following respective keys:

First=C
Second=G
Third=D minor or D Major
Fourth=A natural minor
Fifth=E minor
Sixth=B minor
Twelfth=F

Each position is a 5th higher than the immediately preceding  
position.  This relationship remains the same no matter which key you  
start with for First Position

I don't know what you mean by "nominal keys."

I can't think of a reference to give you other than the Circle of  
Fifths, but I'm pretty confident that the above info is accurate.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,

JP