[Harp-L] The Value of Practicing Scales [or not?]

[robert mcgraw <harpbob@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Music CaL wrote:
> Many would disagree that the "groundwork" is in the practicing of scales.
> There are many other starting points. Here some examples that many would
> consider as important or far more important in the initial development of
> harmonica musicianship and musicianship in general:
> 
> (1) Practicing arpeggios.
> 
> (2) Developing your ear and your mind's-ear-to-harp connection.
> 
> (3) Playing melodies that truly interest you.---I think there's a good bit of truth in what Music Cal [didn't you used to post under another name?] is saying here. I do think there's room for both; I would argue that practicing the blues scale in all 12 keys, the altered scale in all 12 keys [or call it jazz minor if you will], the whole tone scale, the harmonic minor scale, etc, can be useful, though as soon as the player has them "under his fingers" he/she should refrain from playing them up and down and simply improvise in each. There are several Jamey Aerbersold materials that can be useful for this. ---Something that I've been doing recently: every day I'll take one of the tunes I know and work it out in all 12 keys. This is  fun, and it seems to  help me understand the tune better, the various keys better. I suspect it may help with the "ear-to-harp" connection that Music Cal spoke of. That connection is essential.WVa Bob