transposing

What you found yesterday was that the notes were the same between the two positions. This is another way of looking at how positions work... simply find the same notes on any other harmonica and you are playing in a "position." Look at the C harmonica now and figure out how to play this hook in 1st Position.

I7 = 2 2" 2 = C Bb C

IV7 = 4+ 3' 4+ = F Eb F

V7 = 4 4+ 4 = G F G

Or on your Bb Harmonica in 3rd Position...

I7 = 4 4+ 4 = C Bb C

IV7 = 6+ 5 6+ = F Eb F

V7 = 6 6+ 6 = G F G

And now for 3rd Position. Play the Rhumba rhythm again over the 12 Bar Blues Progression in 2nd Position.

C Harmonica in 2nd Position (Key of G)
I = G B D = 2 3 4
IV = C E G = 1+ 2+ 3+
V = D F# A = 1 2' 3"

Now grab your Low-F Harmonica and play the same notes in 3rd Position:
I = G Bb D = 4 5 6
IV = C E G = 6+ 7 8
V = D F A = 6 7+ 8 continue reading...

Here's a great way to hear that the notes are the same from position to position (and to check if you're doing it correctly). Play the following Rhumba rhythm over the 12 Bar Blues Progression:

C Harmonica in 2nd Position (Key of G)
I = G B D = 2 3 4
IV = C E G = 1+ 2+ 3+
V = D F# A = 1 2' 3"

Now grab your G Harmonica and play the same notes in 1st Position:
I = G B D = 4+ 5+ 6+
IV = C E G = 2" 3" 4+ (5 6 7+ an octave above is easier to play)
V = D F# A = 2 3 4 (or 6+ 7 8 if you want to stay in the upper octave) continue reading...

A student asked today in the forum how to move an accompaniment line from 2nd Position to 3rd Position. This is a great skill, especially as one advances in their studies and finds themselves playing in multiple positions and needing to be speak fluently in all the areas we need to in music (in this case accompaniment).

--- continue reading...