[Harp-L] Bluesette on Chromatic?

[JOSEPH LEONE]

Since your son is an accomplished guitarist, he would have no trouble playing it in C. The tune is easy in C on a C chromo. 

Toots used a C chromo and played it in Bb. But that's because it's what HE chose. It's his tune. When he played it on guitar he used G.

Why he chose Bb for chromo is up for conjecture. But he WAS known for working on a tune in various keys to see which one he 'liked' best. 

You have (basically) two choices. Play what's easiest for YOU. Or adhere to the more difficult key if wanting to be a purist. :). When doing this tune on a duet with Randy Singer I played it in F on an F chromo.

smo-joe   

> On October 31, 2019 at 9:18 AM 46long Blake <46long at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> I've played diatonic for over 30 years. I can play 3rd pos. blues on a
> chromatic decently. However, my teenage son is already an accomplished jazz
> guitarist. Sometimes he even lets me sit in with him on diatonic-friendly
> standards such as "Summertime" and "Sandu." However, now he wants me to
> learn "Bluesette" on chromatic so we can jam together on a song we both
> really love. I realize how precious this invitation is, and I want to honor
> it. But OH MY GOD IT IS HARD! I spent a whole evening with him patiently
> helping me work out the A section. The next day, I'd mostly forgotten how
> to do it and had to re-learn.
> 
> Here's my question. The song is in B flat. I'm using a standard vintage 16
> hole Hohner chromatic in C. Might it be easier on a different keyed
> chromatic? Anyone know what key Toots uses? (I'm afraid to openly admit
> this in a harp forum, but here goes.....) Are there, in fact, other "keyed"
> chromatic harps?
> 
> OK. I've made the mistake of being vulnerable in front of a bunch of harp
> players. Have at me.
> 
>  - Blake
> 
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