Re: [Harp-L] Spiral notes, 12 keys

[Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sat, Jul 19, 2014 at 8:11 AM, Doug Schroer <dougharps@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> From the charts it appears that the draw 2 would be the tonic note for a
> complete major scale without bending.
>

Hi Doug,

Correct - and hence the difficulty with Seydel's convention to name the
harp by Blow 1 instead.

>
> So is the primary benefit of this tuning claimed by advocates the
> regularity of the blow draw pattern and the expression made possible by the
> tonic starting on a draw?
>

Yes, but notice the breath pattern reverses at each octave, from Draw to
Blow, etc.
This advocate (me) likes it MORE for these reasons:

   1. all 8 tones are present in each octave
   2. draw-octaves feel very much like 2P richter, Melody Maker, and
    Country tuning
   3. all bends are 1/2 step draw (no blow bends are possible)
   4. relative minor 4P is EASY and expressive starting at Draw 1
   5. (and the chords previously mentioned)

Three Major positions are (as in Richter) 1, 2, and 12
The minor pentatonic positions are 3, 4, and 5
Six useful, usable keys for each harp!

The ONLY drawback is no octaves or whole step bends, but hey, I can live
with that!!

Robert Hale
Spiral Advocate (well, Fanatic, maybe !)
Learn Harmonica by Webcam
http://www.youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
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