David's Tip of the Day: Transcribing Tip - Figuring out the Key of Harmonica, Part 1

The first step in the process is to figure out the key of harmonica used. Here are a few common methods. We'll assume that what's being played is in the common 2nd Position for now.

1) Pick up each harmonica in your collection and play the 2 draw until you find the harmonica that matches the best. In 2nd Position the 2 draw is your home base... the key of the song (If the song is in the key of G, the 2 draw on your C Harmonica is G).

2) Most of you have memorized the notes of the C Harmonica, so use it as a pitch pipe and play the Chromatic Scale on your C Harmonica until you find the note that matches the best. Once you find that note, use your position chart to figure out which harmonica you'll need to use to play in 2nd Position in that key.

3) Listen to the track and hum the note that feels like the note of rest... what all the solos and accompanist are leading to... this is your home base... the key of the song. Grab a chromatic tuner and hum that note so that it can tell you what note it is... this is the key of the song. Once again, use your position chart to figure out which harmonica you'll need to use to play in 2nd Position in that key.