Transposition
I am having difficulty conceptualizing a few things. You stated that you only need to understand the configuration of where the notes are on the C harmonica, and not to worry about where the notes are on the other key harmonicas. I found some introductory shhet music to a song called love in vain by the stones. I picked up that it was in the key of G. I transposed it to the key of C, but it didnt sound right. I also worked out the tabs for the C harmonica and then used those tabs to try playing the song on a G harmonica but again it didnt sound right. I guess one question I have is if you identify that the key of the song is in G, and you use a table showing you where the blow, and draw notes of a G harmonica are, which is very different than where they are positioned on a C harmonica, why even bother transposing and just play the G harmonica as the song was originally written in. The mountain appears to be very steep for me.
Hello Mr Barrett,
When bought my harmonica it was tuned to the key of E and did not realise that the lessons would be played using an A. I have been trying to transpose the music contained in the lesson as I work my way through but I am having a problem with transposing the lower notes.... do you have any tips?
I am finding the lessons really useful, thanks.
Hello CallumJTaylor, I'm glad you're enjoying your studies. No transposing is needed, just play the same hole numbers notated on the sheet music. If you transpose the actual notes played on the A harmonica to the E harmonica, then you're playing in what's known as 1st Position (E harmonica in the key of E) instead of the desired 2nd Position (A harmonica in the key of E). Use a program like the Amazing Slow Dower to change the key of the recorded MP3s (in your case up 7 semitones) so that the music matches your harmonica. Best wishes on your studies.
Hello Baruch. The purpose of using the C Harmonica as your reference key is that you'll learn to think well on one harmonica instead of having to memorize twelve keys of harmonica. You do need to think about which position you want to play in. If you want to play in 1st Position you use the Key of C, played on the C Harmonica. If you want to play in 2nd Position you use the Key of G, played on the C Harmonica. If you want to play in 3rd Position you use the Key of D, played on the C Harmonica. Same harmonica, but different keys depending on your chosen position.
You could have kept the key of G for "love in vain" and played in 2nd Position on your C Harmonica. If it works, great, your work is done. If the melody doesn't lay out quite well, then transposing to the key of C for 1st Position might be the next choice (especially if the melody is very major) or key of D for 3rd Position (especially if the song is darker in sound, more minor in nature).
You can use the chart I've made here http://www.bluesharmonica.com/sites/bluesharmonica.com/files/private/Har... and use the actual pitches if you wish of the key you're in, but again you do need to keep positions in mind.