Second pos scales
HI David,
I have to ask what Im sure is an elementary question relative to Exercise 2.2 in Music Theory Sturdy 2.
I get the idea of lowerin the 7th a half step and can plot the resulting scales with heavy reference to the piano keyboard.
I am confused howerver when I try to translate that to a specific harp. I had gotten the idea that when playing in second position the major 7th was really not on the harp (please confirm).
This leads me to conclude that the first line (C) of the exercies depicts a F harp played in second position therefore in the key of C as there 5 draw is in fact a Bb rendering the minor 7th. Is this correct?
If so, is the second row of the table then a C harp played in the key of G. This makes sense to me except that the requisite 7th (F#/Gb) could be achieved via an overblow. Maybe that doesnt matter.
Then if Im on the right track here, the D row would be played on a G harp in second position etc.
Perhaps Im making this too complex but I know this is fundemental. Thanks for the clarity.
Gary K
Just a follow up for me to tie all this together. When we say the minor 7th is not on the harp in second position, I now understand that that means actually on the harp not a bend or overblow.
My wfie keeps telling me Ive picked a very hard instrument but it seems if I played guitar or keyboard id be facing similar issues. Sax was easier in many ways.
Just a follow up for me to tie all this together. When we say the minor 7th is not on the harp in second position, I now understand that that means actually on the harp not a bend or overblow.
My wfie keeps telling me Ive picked a very hard instrument but it seems if I played guitar or keyboard id be facing similar issues. Sax was easier in many ways.
Close. Change your statement to, "When we say the minor 7th is INHERENT on the harp in second position, I now understand that that means actually on the harp not a bend or overblow." That's correct... without having to bend, the flat-7th (minor 7th) is just there, nothing needs to be done. In 2nd Position on a C Harmonica, you're in the Key of G Major, which is G A B C D E F# G. Since the C harmonica does not have F#, F is the flat-7th relative to G... a free bluesy note. You CAN bend to achieve the F# (2', 5OB, and 9'+) if you wish to have the major-7th, but since we're playing blues, we actually prefer that flat-7th F.
You're correct, all instruments deal with music theory, and harmonica actually much less than most.
i notice you use an A harmonica. i am a beginner with a C harmonica. which A do you recommend so that when i play along with you it matches. thanks.
Welcome to the site dhfrankel1. There is an intro lesson for those with only the C Harmonica, and it's found here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/c_harmonica_intro_lesson. After this lesson, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pick up an A Harmonica. Best wishes on your studies.
Hello Gary. Elementary questions are good!
"I had gotten the idea that when playing in second position the major 7th was really not on the harp" you got it, you're correct
"This leads me to conclude that the first line (C) of the exercies depicts a F harp played in second position therefore in the key of C as there 5 draw is in fact a Bb rendering the minor 7th." Excellent, you got it!
Well done, you have the idea correct.
P.S., not an elementary question... you're connecting the dots very well.