Re: [Harp-L] Re: When Johnny Comes Marching Home

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Rubin wrote:
Since the key of D is third position on a C harp, this song is now
in third position.  Even though D dorian is a mode of C major, the song is
not in first position.  However, you have now created a very easy way to
play this song!

It's true that the melody works in 3rd position on a standard harp (though this glosses over the fact that the lowest note in the melody must be played on a double bend on draw 3 in this position), unless you play the melody in the top octave instead of the second octave).  However, if you want to harmonize the melody, Dorian mode won't work, so 3rd position is out.

In my opinion (and in my recordings), the harp that was made for this piece is a Natural Minor, played in first position.  This approach allows you to easily harmonize the melody in lots of different ways: octaves, thirds, sixths, with a pedal tone on the 5th degree of the scale, etc.  You can hear what I mean at:
http://www.hunterharp.com/all-hunters-downloads-in-one-place/

Go to the "Solo Acoustic Harmonica BUY" tab; you can listen for free, of course.

Regards, Richard Hunter  

author, "Jazz Harp" (Oak Publications, NYC)
Latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://hunterharp.com
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