Re: [Harp-L] Entry level chromatic

[Chesper Nevins <chespernevins@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi T,

I'd like to throw out an idea that you may not have been expecting.
The mention of your son's theory chops and the Lydian mode brought it
to mind.

Reading your email, I immediately thought that he might appreciate and
benefit from an alternate tuning.

I am specifically thinking of the Diminished Tuning.

When I started harmonica, I already had a Master's degree in music. I
put in a year on solo tuning but then switched to the Diminished Tuned
chromatic.

I found it, and still find it to be a fascinating, useful layout.

By its nature, it turns out that the C Lydian mode is a very natural
mode on the C Diminished Tuning - somewhat more so than the other
"majorish" modes - C Major or C Mixolydian.  However, truly there are
no bad keys on the Dimi.

There are many other interesting benefits to the Dimi - four evenly
spaced enharmonics, patterns that repeat themselves at a minor third
away, elimination of the side-by-side C's as found on solo tuning,
regularly spaced intervals, ability to half-valve, and so on.

If you'd like more info, you can read an article I wrote on the Dimi
for "Harmonica Happenings Magazine" here:
http://jasonharmonica.com/dimi.pdf

Just some food for thought.

Jason Rogers (aka chespernevins)

PS, alternate tunings aside, for an off the shelf chrom, the CX-12 is
so easy to maintain that it is a good candidate for a first chrom for
a grown musician - IMO












On Tue, Dec 4, 2012 at 3:16 PM,  <tacopescado@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I have a son who is a music student at UCLA and is an exceptional piano and
> guitar player with a deep understanding of theory. I've given him diatonic
> harmonicas over the years and he's become quite accomplished. Recently he
> figured out the theme song to the Simpsons and claims it's in Lydian mode. I
> can't dispute his findings because it sounds right to me.
>
> He now wants a chromatic to mess with and I thought the Harp-l community
> might have some suggestions. Should he start with a 270-like harp or
> possibly a 64? He's a real good musician. I play CBH's and have a Super 64
> as well as a myriad of 270's and CX-12's. Any input would be welcome.
>
> I know this thread goes around all the time and apologize for the
> redundancy. As you can tell all of my chromatics are Hohner but perhaps a
> different brand is in order (though I do have a weird East German 64 in G
> that starts two holes below what a normal 64 does).
>
> Thanks