Re: [Harp-L] Keys you need

[Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

These were the same keys I suggested off list. Over 3 generations I find that country is predominately in these keys..in order.

G, A, C, D, F, E. (notice the tendency towards sharps..a function of stringed instruments).

For jazz it's: Eb, F, Bb, G, Ab, C (tendency towards flats..a function of horns). Last night I only used the Eb & the Bb. 

I carry a set of diatonics and 5 extras in what some call double country (smo-joe) tuning. I can use MY tunings on just about anything but for the Richters
I hardly use anything but the Eb (for Bb), the C (for G), the Bb (for F), Ab (for Eb), Db (for Ab).

So, 'I' would get a D, F, and Bb. (spcl note: I agree that the D harps go out faster than other keys). 

smo-joe  


On Apr 2, 2012, at 4:06 PM, Robert Hale wrote:

> On Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 12:18 PM, Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>wrote:
> 
>> For both country and blues you need a D harp.
>> For both you could do well to have an F harp.
>> For Chicago blues (and to play Orange Blossom Special) you should have a
>> Bb harp (and an F harp).
>> Winslow
>> 
> 
> Winslow's got it pegged right, from my experience.
> 
> I worked top-40 dance-club country 6 nights a week, didn't need an E harp
> Played Blues nearly that often, and only wanted my Low octave E for 1P. the
> rest of the tune was A harp in 2P E.
> 
> Over 20 years playing, I hear more tunes in more keys in both realms. My
> earlier bands were often limited in keys, both blues and country. (Maybe
> I'm working better bands now, too.-- snark) But I hear more country records
> in more keys than 10-15 years ago.
> 
> Music industry evolving? or just my limited data collection? Hmmm...
> 
> (Vocalist range is still primary, but I wonder if sometimes they were
> encouraged to lift it a half-step, making it a little more difficult for us
> kids to play along with the radio!)
> 
> 
> Robert Hale
> 
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> 
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