Positions
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:56
Hi David,
this might be a really stupid question but it's not clear in my mind so I thought I'd ask.
Is it right to say that we actually play in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position (or modes?) every time we play the 1,4,5 chord progression across the 12 bar structure i.e. on a C harmonica:- G (2nd), C (1st) and D (3rd)? Or is this an innacurate conclusion? If so why?
Also, what questions should you ask yourself to determine whether a tune is better played in 3rd position than 2nd? For instance if a song was in the key of F with mainly F and Gm chord progression would it lend itself more to playing on a Bb in 2nd position or Eb in 3rd?
Thanks,
Ravi
Hello Ravi. Not stupid... this is a great question.
You are correct, that is one way we think when soloing over the changes (especially in a slow blues where we have time to explore more on a chord).
Key tends to be the first decision for position choice. If a song is in C for example, most players will tend to choose 3rd Position so that they can play on a Bb harmonica instead of an F (very high), Low F (very low) in 2nd Position, or a C harmonica in 1st (blow bends are not that great on. a C harp).
The feel of a song tends not to be a major deciding factor, since a skilled player in positions can play light or dark in any of the positions (though some find it easier to play in minor in 3rd).
The chord progression is definitely a deciding factor. In your example, all three positions can handle those chords easily, though 2nd Position has 3" as the root of the ii chord, so some may choose to play in 3rd (5+ as root) or 1st (4 as root), if that note is called upon to be held.
The hook of a song (short lick that repeats throughout a song) is a strong deciding factor as well. Some hooks can't be played in one position, may be difficult in another, and easy in another.
Lastly, in a set of music, it's nice for you, and the audience, to change things up.