Re: [Harp-L] My explanation of 5th and 12th position for Steve Hellerman

[Jim Rumbaugh <jrumbaug@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hellerman, Steven asked,"Can someone explain fifth position to those of us 
who don't know much theory " and "And what about this twelfth position I 
keep hearing about?"

If you are playing a MINOR SCALE tune. 5th position can be fun.  Start on 2 
blow and work your way up.

Now it's more complex than that, but that will get you started. If the song 
key is Eminor, grab a C harp. Grab a harp that id 2 full steps lower than 
the minor key.

12th position is fun for major scale tunes.  Start on 5 draw and work your 
way up.

Yes, there's more to it than what I just said, but that will get you 
started. I like 12th for what I call "pretty tunes and old tunes with lots 
of chords". I also call it "revese cross" (my term) because the harp you 
grab is just the revese of cross.  In cross harp you grab a C harp for a G 
tune, in 12th, you grab G harp for a C tune.

If you and when you want more details, either I or someone will be happy to 
give them to you.

Jim Rumbaugh