Now, it’s possible to access all of the notes you need for both blues scales in first position with 1/2 step bends. For the minor blues scale, though, we also need Bb and Gb (or F# as we may also call it). Let’s have a look at what bends we have available when playing as standard (which is known as first position).įor the major blues scale in C, the only note we need from outside of the C major scale is Eb. It’s worth noting, though, that the standard draw bending technique will only work on holes 1 – 6 bends higher up require the slightly more tricky blow bends. Now, it is possible to access those black notes on a diatonic harmonica in C by bending one of the white notes down (ie lowering the pitch). In comparison, a chomatic harmonica has access, as standard, to all of the white notes and all of the black notes. The easiest way to visualise this is to picture a piano keyboard on a C harp, for instance, only the white notes are available if the harmonica is played without any bending being used. This means that they are tuned as standard to play only the notes of the designated key (leaving aside bent notes, for now). So, what do I mean by second position (or third or fourth position for that matter)? Let’s look at how a harp is tuned first to help us understand what these terms mean. ![]() We won’t go into detail about how to do this here, but there are plenty of great videos available online, such as this one from Ben Hewlett: –CNIxlJ9OA Positions Both skills are linked, as it’s very difficult to bend notes properly if you’re sounding more than one note at the same time. Prerequisitesįirst, though, it’s important to be able to do two things in order to make the most of altered positions: play single notes cleanly, and bend notes. Don’t worry, though – this is perfectly normal, and, in this article I’ll show you how using what is known as second position on the harp can make a big difference to your sound. The results have probably been a little disappointing you’re trying to sound like Little Walter, but the sound coming out of your harmonica is more akin to that made by little Johnny and his recorder from next door. If you’re new to the harmonica there’s a good chance you’ve started by purchasing a harp in the key of C, and have tried to play along with something bluesy in that key. ![]() Harmonica Positions Explained Second Position on the Harmonica Explained
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