Re: [Harp-L] harmonizing (what would Duane and Dickey do?)

["Doug H" <dough.harpl@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi James,

Unless you after some unusual effect, harmony is done in the key of the melody.  For example if the song is in C and you are harmonizing a third above the melody, then:
- for a melody note of C, you'd harmonize with an E, 
- for a melody note of D you'd harmonize with an F, 
- for a melody note of E you'd play a G, and so on up the scale. 

With creative exceptions of course - this isn't math.

Note that normally a harmony line would not harmonize every single melody note with the same interval but would mix it up a little, whatever sounds good.  But again, in answer to your question, in general you want to play in the key of the melody, and you would choose a harp and position that would allow you to do that.

Hope that helps.

Doug H

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James Sterett 
  To: Zack 
  Cc: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 10:30 AM
  Subject: Re: [Harp-L] harmonizing (what would Duane and Dickey do?)


  Thanks, Zack.  I was just wondering if I'm trying to harmonize on the third or the fifth, would playing the harp in the key of that 3rd or 5th work.

  >>> Zack <zack.pomerleau@xxxxxxxxx> 11/5/2010 11:50 AM >>>
  Just find the harp that makes it easiest to do. I've heard people do major thirds, majors fifths, etc.