Re: [Harp-L] scales and positions

[Michael Rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have around 80 videos on the subject.
http://youtu.be/f0Kdf-KDRNY
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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.htmlLearn 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
>