Re: [Harp-L] harp key

[Ben Bouman <ben@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Brian

Yes, it is indeed 3rd position .

Heâs accurate on following the chord progression and thatâs why he plays a few precise bends ( needed for the chord). It may sound a bit âdifferentâ when youâre not used to do so.

It is a bit like playing in 3 different positions â  on the I chord ( C)he plays typical 3rd position( root note -1  -4  -8) licks, in the IV chord (F) he plays more like in 2nd position ( root note â2   +3  +6  +9 and in the V chord (G) he switches for a few notes to 4th positions ( root note on -3â   -6   -10).

For practice it is a good thing to learn where the blues scale in  1st, 2nd,3rd and 4th position is played on any harmonica. This helps you to find the âbig â notes when you switch chords ( = like switching positions).

During  my Skype lessons I work a lot on this and most students are surprised by the â newâ possibilities :-))


Kindest regards, met vriendelijke groeten

Ben Bouman
www.benboumanharmonicas.com <http://www.benboumanharmonicas.com/>
www.harmonicainstituut.nl <http://www.harmonicainstituut.nl/>
www.harmonicaheaven.nl <http://www.harmonicaheaven.nl/>
www.marbletones.com <http://www.marbletones.com/>
www.marble-amps.com <http://www.marble-amps.com/>
> Op 13 jan. 2016, om 16:19 heeft Brian Irving <brian.irving@xxxxxxxxx> het volgende geschreven:
> 
> Great playing on this track!  Can anyone confirm if he's playing this in 3rd
> position?  I can get the notes on a Bb harp but it doesn't "feel" like 3rd
> to me!!
> 
> Brian
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> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFjuGshbLeE
>