[Harp-L] Re: Seydel Spiral (Circular) Tuning

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Winslow (as always, the epitome of common sense) opines:

"*I suspect that the reason may have to do with their perception 
that having notes below tonic of the scale is desirable, as many 
melodies go below the tonic note of the scale.*"

This is especially true of the genre(s) of music that I normally 
play: country, bluegrass, old time, gospel. Lots of the melodies
drop down to the 5th scale degree and then walk back up to the
tonic. Or, the song will start on the 5th scale degree and work 
its way up the harp.

As an example, here's a fairly simple bluegrass gospel song, 
written by Mark "Brink" Brinkman: _Beyond The Rain_ (played on piano).

https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=swjxEFH_rAY

If that doesn't work as a link, try a Google search for:

youtube mark "brink" brinkman beyond the rain

The song starts on the hole 1 blow note of a Seydel Zirkular "G".
That would be, ahem, a G3 note (5th scale degree of the underlying 
"C" major scale). It then goes up the harp from there. It lays out
nicely on the Seydel Zirkular harp, and is very easy to play by ear.

BTW, after the first two verses/choruses, it transposes up from
"C" major to "D" major. At that point, I switch harps to a Seydel 
Zirkular "A" harp, and repeat the last verse/chorus. 

No missing notes anywhere: SERENDIPITY!!

Have fun!
Crazy Bob