Re:[Harp-L] Spiral (or Circular)

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Hale asks:

"How does this tuning correlate to 12 positions of standard diatonic?"

The Seydel convention is to label the Circular Tuned harp based on the note in hole 1 blow.
Given that this is the 5th scale degree of the underlying scale of the harp, the labeling
convention labels the harp in 2nd position. For example, a G Circular Tuned harp has C major
as the underlying scale. G being the 5th scale degree of C major, the Mixolydian mode (which
corresponds naturally with 2nd position) begins in hole 1 blow. 1st position (C) begins on C,
which is hole 2 draw. Maybe a little diagram would be easier to demonstrate.

Scale Degree Diagram (it displays best using Courier font):

BLOW--05--07--02--04--06--01--03--05--07--02
HOLE--01--02--03--04--05--06--07--08--09--10
DRAW--06--01--03--05--07--02--04--06--01--03

1st position corresponds to the underlying scale of the harp. This corresponds
to the same thing on a regular Richter Tuned layout. Harp key = music key =
1st position BY CONVENTION. Look for scale degree 01 on the diagram. Mode
= Ionian.

2nd position is a fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).
Look for scale degree 05 on the diagram. Mode = Mixolydian.

3rd position is a fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).

Look for scale degree 02 on the diagram. Mode = Dorian (minor).


  4th position is a fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).

Look for scale degree 06 on the diagram. Mode = Aeolian (natural minor). 


  5th position is a fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).

Look for scale degree 03 on the diagram. Mode = Phrygian (minor).


  6th position is a fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).

Look for scale degree 07 on the diagram. Mode = Locrian (diminished).

Positions 7-11 do not correspond to any of the scale degrees within a diatonic
scale. Consequently, there is no mapping to the naturally occurring notes.
(That does NOT mean you cannot play in those positions.)


  12th position is the last fifth higher (going clockwise around the Circle of Fifths).

Look for scale degree 04 on the diagram. Mode = Lydian (major).





HTH,
Crazy (how else would I know this stuff?) Bob