[Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 117, Issue 42

["Hellerman, Steven L." <shellerman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Ross-
 
4th position is simply playing straight harp in a minor key. If you can play 1st position you can play 4th position, as long as the tune is in a minor key. 
 
As for "3rd position as the go-to position for minor tunes": Not necessarily. You can play both. Indeed, you can switch back and forth on the same tune. Why not?  One of my "Eureeka!" moments regarding the harp was when I realilzed I could play 2nd, 3rd AND 4th position on the same minor key tune. This was shortly after realizing I could play 1st, 2nd and 3rd position on the same major key tune. Again: Why not?
 
SLH
 
 
Message: 9
Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 21:43:48 -0700
From: Ross Macdonald <pdxharpdog@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] What would Charlie Musselwhite do?
To: List harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
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Hi, I am meeting with our record producer for our new album next week for pre-production.  This new album will have a Tom Waits-like feel to it with few instruments and will have harp on most tunes.  Something like his Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards record.  I know that Charlie played most of the harp on the record (John Hammond played some too).

One of the tracks on our record is a slow but swingy 50's kind of private-eye thing in E minor.  I am Ok doing this in 3rd position on a low D harp,  but not at all in 4th position on a G harp.  If I am being honest, once you get past 1st, 2nd and 3rd position I am basically a bit lost. Do the pros generally default to 3rd position as the go-to position for minor tunes?  Is it worth learning 4th position for more than just changing it up on a minor tune?  Is there a fourth position tutorial out there on youtube i could study?

What would Charlie default to on a E minor tune?  Im thinking whatever position the harp would be played in,  it would need some tremolo and reverb to get the mood I think it needs.

Any help would be appreciated. 

Ross Macdonald