Re: [Harp-L] Typical keys for blues

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Feb 5, 2011, at 4:58 PM, John F. Potts wrote:

> Keep in mind that keyboard players often prefer to play blues in Bb  
> and commonly do.
>
> JP

This is so true AND it is also what a lot of horn players prefer.  
With most horns, Bb is going to be C fingering. Now in the harmonica  
world, it would be advantageous to have the ends of the phrases  
ending on DRAW notes. Draw notes can offer more expression. That  
'haunting' sound. This wouldn't make any difference to a horn (say  
trumpet) as they are all blow instruments and since you 'invent' your  
expressionism by the way you apply shape and pressure to the  
mouthpiece, it doesn't really matter.

Ordinarily, sans keyboard and WITH strings as a basis, I would say  
that the most popular (probably 7 out of 8) keys are: 4 sharps, 3  
sharps, 2 sharps, 1 sharp.  Then an occasional minor or a C.

Jass would be different. With mostly: Eb, F, Bb, Ab. Then an  
occasional minor or C.

smo-joe