Confused re Tones, Holes and Keys - Music Theory
Hi David,
I'm around 2 months into lessons and have been moving back and forth between all the lesson modules. I'm loving the learning process.
Independently, I had noticed that many songs can be played on both the A Harp and C Harp using the same holes. The tones would be higher or lower, but the song would essentially sounf the same. I had assumed that the tones (notes) were the same for holes on each harp, just in different octaves.
After completing lesson 3, Music Theory Study 1, you made it clear that the scales are different with each harp root note (1 and 4 hole blows) matching the key of the Harp.
Why then can I play the same song on different harps using he same holes?
Thanks, John Ribbler
Thanks David,
I understood that conceptually but . . . to clarify:
If I play Oh Susannah on the C harp, I am playing notes
C D E G G A
If I play Oh Susannah of the A harp, I'm playing notes
A B C E E G
I'm still working Theory Section 3 - 3.5 amd 3.6. It's taking me some time to count out all the steps. But, the realization that the song stays the same playing the same holes on different harps has been bothering me for some time. This has changed my whole perspective on exactly what a particular note actually is.
But, how does that translate to the keyboard? I don't have one but if I play C D E G G A and A B C E E G, they won't both sound like Oh Susannah . . . will they?
You got it, except there is a C# in the key of A, so it would be A B C# E E G. With a keyboard, playing those notes, they will sound the same, just like the harmonica, just higher or lower (depending if you go down to play in A or up).
Hey David, Until next time and I'm certain there will be a next time. Best, John
Sounds good
Hello John.
I'm glad you're enjoying your studies.
You are correct, you can pick up any key of harmonica and play the same song. As you studied in your lessons, the harmonicas are intervalically the same (the distance, or measurement, if you like, between each of the notes are the same). They are not the same notes though.
For example...
Playing the melody 4+ 4 5+ 6+ 6+ on the C Harmonica gives you C D E G G. Playing the same melody (same holes) on the A harmonica gives you A B C# E E. Because the distance of the notes are the same (whole step, whole step, minor 3rd, unison... you'll learn this in Music Theory Study 3), the melody sounds the same, just slightly lower (in this case).
Another way to think of it is like graph paper. Draw a shape. Now move that shape up 7 squares (this is equivalent to seven half steps in music). You will get the exact same shape, just higher in space.
As you watch the lesson videos, I'll mention why there are different keys... that will be an important video for you to see (or review if you've already past it), to understand why we have different keys in music, and thus different keys of harmonica, to play in different keys (otherwise we could just use one harmonica all the time).