Re: [Harp-L] naming positions with Spiral tuning

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Winslow is correct. Yes and this does get confusing.I can simplify this by removing circular from the equation. Let's take the tuning Seydel used to use for many of its harps, especially those in G. It's regular Richter note placement, except it starts on what would be hole 2 of a regular Richter. So, one of my G prewar Seydel Bandmasters is in the key of G, labeled G, but starts on a B note. Does it play in second position key of F#? 
No, it plays in D second position. 
It is thusly, I contend, for circular harmonicas. The positions are in accordance with the key of the scale found in the circular. 



David Payne
www.elkriverharmonicas.com


Elk River Harmonicas Forum now available via Iphone app, www.elkriverharmonicas.com/forum


________________________________
 From: Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-L list <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 8:32 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] naming positions with Spiral tuning
 
As always, positions are named by the relationship between the key of the harmonica and the key being played.

If the spiral is tuned to the key of C major, then playing it in C will put you in first position, G in second, and so on. If the note in Blow 1 is C, then that coincides with first position. But if Blow 1 is something else, C is still first position as long as the scale on the harp is a C scale.
 
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
            Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
            Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Harmonica Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
From: Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-L list <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 12:39 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] naming positions with Spiral tuning

I think I have a handle on position-playing for diatonics, and the Circle
of Fifths.
But what about Spirals and Circulars?

Must I call First position by the Blow 1 note? (I don't want to.)

If I get it right, will Major positions be 1, 2, and 12?
Will minor positions be 3, 4, and 5?


Robert Hale

Spiral Advocate

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