Re: [Harp-L] explain positions to beginner

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here’s a single statement to convey to your student:
 
Regarding knowledge of the instrument and its musical possibilities:
 
    Ignorance is *NOT* bliss!
 
A hammer has as its primary purpose that driving of nails. However,
as testament to the human inability to always drive pegs squarely into
round holes, it also includes a supplementary function to remove the
mistakes.
 
Consider his question:
 
"It's a C harp, why wouldn't it always play songs in the key of C?"
 
A simple answer:
 
On that “C” harp, one can also play in the key of A natural minor.
Although the same notes are used in both the Ionian (“C” major) and
Aeolian (“A” natural minor) modes, the arrangement of the intervals
is totally different, resulting in a totally different “feel” (quality).

A knowledge of modes (and corresponding positions) adds tools to the
musical toolbox. I am always perplexed by the erroneous assumption that
one should not learn more than the bare minimum, so as to avoid the
possibility of “corrupting” that “pure music” from within. It is almost
as perplexing as the assumption that extensive theoretical knowledge
is the /condicio sine qua non/ for a successful musician.

And, of course, it greatly helps to play a Spiral Tuned harmonica!

;-)
Crazy (about Spiral Tuning) Bob 
(One of the other Roberts, but NOT the "dread pirate Roberts")