Re: [Harp-L] 4th tips, another opinion about positions

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

jim -Â

Nice catches.

I agree that "defined by" is better wording than "about."Â


You're right that the "about" part more properly applies toÂdescribing some of the practical aspects of applying it.
Â
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Harmonica Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
 From: Jim Rumbaugh <jrumbaug@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Sunday, June 2, 2013 11:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] 4th tips, another opinion about positions
 

I will respectfully disagree with what appears to be the popular thinking 
towards positions. The recent quote has been:

"Positions on the harmonica are about one thing and ONLY one thing:
That one thing is the relationship between two keys:"

I respectfully disagree and say the word ABOUT should be replaced with 
DEFINED BY, as in:

"Positions on the harmonica are DEFINED BY one thing and ONLY one thing:
That one thing is the relationship between two keys:"

I can agree with that statement.

Then I will add my re-write, which reflects my opinion:

Positions on the diatonic harmonica are about one thing and ONLY one thing:

Finding the right key harp that works best and easiest for what and how you 
want to play the tune.

The 6 most common positions of 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 each have strengths and 
weaknesses. To say that the position is only a reflection of the key played 
may be correct, but misleading. Understanding the pros and cons of each 
position is what it is "about" for me and my diatonic harmonicas.


Jim Rumbaugh

The Harmonica Club of Huntington, WV