Re: [Harp-L] explain Position Playing

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Point 3. as stated can be misleading if not read very carefully (and if it can 
be misread, it will be). Position really only describes one thing: the 
relationship between the key of the harmonica and the key of the music played on 
it. When it comes to defining scale patterns, tuning plays just as important 
part as position, and a change in the scale pattern due to a change in tuning 
has no effect on position.

For instance, the scale patterns on a solo-tuned diatonic are different from the 
scale patterns on a standard-tuned diatonic. But the positions are the same - C 
on a C harp (regardless of tuning) is still first position, G is second, D is 
third and so on.

Point 4 does not take into account that the positions concept is also applied in 
a useful way to the chromatic harmonica, where bending is not needed to create 
missing notes.

Point 5 confuses terminology. "Tonic" and "key center" do mean the same thing, 
but "root" means something different. If you are in the key of C, then C is the 
tonic or tonal center ("key center" is not a standard term). However, the word 
"root" applies to chords, and not to keys. For instance, I could be playing in 
the Key of C and play a D minor chord. At that point D would be the root of the 
chord being played, while C is the tonic. If I move to a G7 chord, the tonic is 
still C, but now the root of the chord is G. And when I move on to play a C 
chord, C is the root of the chord, and is still the tonic.

Winslow
 Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
Harmonica instructor, The Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance
Resident expert, bluesharmonica.com
Columnist, harmonicasessions.com




________________________________
From: Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-L list <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tue, February 15, 2011 8:05:58 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] explain Position Playing

I have previously inquired how teachers explain position playing to
their students. Looking back over those archived messages, and adding
a recent web search for current explanations, I have distilled these 5
points.

My goal is to create a practical, comprehend-able introduction. A
first look, not everything you'll ever want to know.

Are these the essential points? Are they in logical order?
Do you have a more concise way to teach the concept?

1.   Position does not mean where you play on the harp

2.    Each Diatonic harmonica may be played in 12 different keys, 12 positions

3.   Each position defines a different scale pattern played on a
single harmonica

4.    Additional notes may be found through Blow and Draw bending

5.    Each key (position) uses a different note as the Root, Tonic
tone, or Key center

You may recognize the work of several authors here. I make no effort
to credit each one, but appreciate each for their contribution.

Thanks all.

Robert Hale
http://www.dukeofwail.com