[Harp-L] Chromatic KEY choices

[Gary Lehmann]

It's a great explanation!
I still am not using keyed chromatics at gigs, but will if the situation
ever requires it.
Mostly I just use altered tuned diatonics, much easier to play in the key
of the song.
Most popular music doesn't go outside the tonal center very much. Jazz is
different.

On Tue, Mar 14, 2017 at 7:58 AM, Joseph Leone <3n037 at xxxxx> wrote:

> This is the best explanation I have seen on the subject. I also play
> clarinet, trumpet, and some tenor.
> smokey joe and the cafes
>
>
>
> > On Mar 14, 2017, at 10:36 AM, Doug Schroer <dougharps at xxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > The choice of playing it all on a C or using different keys is a matter
> of
> > choice to be based on your musical goals and aspirations.
> >
> > If you are beginning to learn chromatic harmonica and want to be able to
> > read classical music or to play music that change keys dramatically, then
> > working to play all keys fluently and fluidly on one instrument is the
> way
> > to go.  The best way to become good on chromatic (as a horn player would
> > become good on a horn) is to devote yourself to mastering playing one
> > instrument in all keys.  If you are planning on reading, then the music
> you
> > play will be in the key on the sheet music without transposition or
> buying
> > various keys of sheet music. Doing it all on one instrument is the way
> the
> > greats approached chromatic, though some renowned players were reported
> to
> > have used another key on occasion to facilitate a good performance.
> >
> > Regardless of whether you decide to use different keys of chromatics
> later,
> > I recommend that you begin with just one key. Usually the key of choice
> is
> > a C instrument, though there is a lot of sheet music written for Bb
> > instruments and for other keys, too. Sticking to just one key for a while
> > while learning will help you gain skill on the instrument while you learn
> > your way around it. You need to learn where the intervals are located.
> > Later on you can explore whether you are able to or want to switch
> > instruments (and scales) without confusion.
> >
> > However, if you can already navigate a chromatic fairly well in a few
> keys
> > and you want to expand your playing into more challenging keys so you
> sound
> > good playing in difficult keys without years of work, then in my opinion
> > keyed chromatics are a valid choice.  It depends on the music genres you
> > like, the difficulty of the songs you want to play, and whether you will
> be
> > reading notes or improvising. If you want to play competently in public
> in
> > keys that are more difficult on a C chromatic, keyed chromatics are an
> > option.
> >
> > For improvising in the Americana, folk, and roots music I like, keyed
> > chromatics work well for me. I can improvise readily playing by ear in
> keys
> > that would be inaccessible to me on a single instrument. I use the slide
> a
> > lot, too. This music can be played on a C (just listen to David Naditch
> > play bluegrass and Gypsy jazz!), but often can be more easily played on
> an
> > instrument closer to the key of the song. Chord options are different
> > depending on the key of the song and key of the instrument, and some keys
> > require difficult combinations of breath change and slide use that make
> > plyaing smooth phrases very difficult.
> >
> > My first instrument was a Bb clarinet, so I became familiar with the
> > relativity of keys and the idea of transposing instruments early on. My
> > first chromatic at age 11 was a G chromatic, because I first experienced
> > chromatic harmonica when a relative played old popular songs on a
> chromatic
> > in that key at a sing-a-long by a camp fire. Saxophones come in different
> > keys as do some horns. It is all relative.
> >
> > If you are really serious about being a good player, particularly if you
> > intend to read music in many keys, keep working on using the C chromatic
> > (or whatever key of instrument you have chosen as your key of chromatic
> to
> > learn on) for all or most of your playing.
> >
> > I do not claim to be a great chromatic player, but I can perform the
> music
> > that I enjoy competently and I can improvise in all keys by using keyed
> > chromatics.
> >
> >
> > Doug S.
>
>