Re: [Harp-L] scales and positions

[Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 20, 2012, at 12:36 AM, William Madel <wmadel@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> been playing for about 18 months.  Of the many weaknesses that I still see
> in myself as a player, I seem to have an overall lack of awareness and
> comprehension regarding scales and positions.  I naturally pick up scales
> (seemingly) although I don't know any, and I often play in positions other
> than 1st and 2nd even though i have no idea what that even means because I
> barely comprehend 1st and 2nd position.


IMHO, you should forget about positions and focus on scales and scale exercises. Positions merely provide a starting place for a given scale. E.g., 2nd position on a C harp begins the 2 draw. That note is G. Starting from there you can play G scale (G A B C D E F# G). The only caveat is that you need the overblow technique to get the F#). If you're playing traditional blues this is not a problem because the G7 scale is G A B C D E _F_ G. That is, the seventh note in the scale is flattened. If you approach blues playing chromatically, you chose the notes from each chord scale as they relate to the particular change. 

Written as functions where the numbers stand for the chords in a given scale, the standard 12 bar blues pattern is: 

| I | I | I | I | IV | IV | I | I | V | IV | I | I/V | 

For the Key of G

| G7 | | G7 | G7| G7| C7| C7| G7| G7| D7| C7| G7| G7/D7 |

G7 Scale G  A  B  C  D  E  _F_  G
C7 Scale C  D  E  F  G  A  _Bb_ C
D7 Scale D  E  F# G  A  B  _C_  D

Google Harmonica Note Layout to learn where the the notes are on your C harp. . E.g., http://www.angelfire.com/tx/myquill/HarpLayoutGenerator.html Learn the patterns and then you can apply them to the other harps.

Then you want to learn some different scales like the blues and pentatonic scales. I have found this site useful: E.g., http://www.jazclass.aust.com/scales/sca7ch.htm  I also use the RUBANK ADVANCED METHOD SAXOPHONE Vol. 1 for exercises. For a blues specific approach you might try Jamey Abersold's book VOLUME 2 - NOTHIN' BUT BLUES.

This is how musicians who play other instruments study. Kick up your game, learn to read, understand how things work, and have fun. You'll be a better musician for the effort.

***Standard disclaimer *** This information is based on my understanding. Anyone who knows more, please feel free to comment and/or correct***

Bob Cohen
Writer, Internet Consultant, Teacher
w: bobjcohen.com
t: #itsabobworld