[Harp-L] Re: Modes, keys and positions (John F. Potts)

["geoff atkins" <geoffatkins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you John,  for taking the time to reply with such a clear description.
Much appreciated!
I'll sit down and create some form of a chart / poster from your
information, to which I'll add other gleanings such as the circle of fifths.
By nominal key I meant to indicate the named key of the harp (which can play
in different keys) as purchased, i.e. 'a "C" harp'  etc.
Until now I've just selected the harp that suited the tune and played it
in what I call "Low, mid and high" ranges, bending where necessary but have
begun to suspect there's a great deal more potential.

Best regards
Geoff Atkins

>    3. Modes, keys and positions (John F. Potts)
> 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