Re: [Harp-L] positions you can use on diatonic

I'm trying to understand this myself. Is there a difference between "playing in positions", where, for example, on a C harp you play the notes of the C scale but starting with the root note of G (Mixolydian mode of C), and playing in the KEY of G on a C harp? Maybe Michael is describing the former and Larry is describing the latter. In other words, when playing positionally aren't you primarily using and emphasizing all the notes of the 1st position (major) scale regardless of what position you're playing in, which is what creates distinctive sound of the mode? Whereas when you play in a key, you're adding the sharps and flats that enable you to play a major (or minor) scale in that particular key, regardless of the key of the harp you're playing. Please tell me if this is wrong. I'm not sure if my grasp of music theory is correct!

David

On Mar 30, 2012, at 3:56 PM, harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

Larry,
This time I disagree with you.  Is the band playing in a key, at least
for a portion of the song?  Are you using a richter diatonic harp?
Then you are playing in a position.  Position are numbered by the
relationship of the key the band is playing in to the name of the harp
as measured by the amount of times moved clockwise in the circle of
fifths.  No amount of saying "I've moved a little past positions" can
change that you play in positions . . .


Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com
http://youtu.be/aCbDxn5a3xI

On Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 9:19 AM, The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Pretty much depends on the individual.


I can, but find certain positions to be not too useful for most scenarios.


In a way, I've moved a little past "position" and just go for the notes that I need wherever they may live.


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