Re: [Harp-L] How we learn Blues Harp

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

This thread seems to assume that the only function of standard notation is to record pitches.  I posit that about 60% of the value of standard notation is to display timing.   The timing information is the same for all instruments including all keys of diatonic or chromatic harmonicas.  For me, reading timing is more difficult than reading pitches.   Most systems of tablature are deficient in conveying timing.   Tab also lacks the helpful analogy that high on the staff indicates high pitch.   
 
Timing is particularly important where several people are playing together.  I have observed that people who do not read tend to not hold long notes for their full time value and start the next phrase too soon. The phrases "don't know the score" and "not reading from the same page" come to mind. 

Except for a very few fortunate enough to have perfect pitch, readers of vocal music do not have a fixed key reference.  They learn to find "do" on the staff and then see intervals between notes.  They learn and practice this ability by singing the "do re mi ............"  note names in a technique called relative solfeggio.  It occurs to me that since the intervals are the same on diatonics of any key, this approach would work for diatonic players.

It may be that the timing of blues forms are so simple and easily memorized so that reading isn't a requirement.    Get into CW or other genres and it becomes much more important. That said, how would you record on paper the timing of tricky blues riffs so that they could be played by musicians at a different place and time?

Vern 

On Jul 20, 2010, at 1:07 AM, Jérôme P. wrote:

> I do agree, one of the main reasons of not reading music is probably that
> most of harp players change instrument often, which makes reading a
> complicated task, if not impossible.
> Comparing this difficulty with the fact that most of harp players play Blues
> or "Blues derivated music", where music sheet is not so important, it
> renders reading a useless task..................
>