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From: Michael Will
Date: Thu, 29 Aug 1996 18:07:35 -0700
Subject: Advantages of 2nd position

There's been a lot of talk lately about the advantages of playing the
short harp in various positions and not switching keys. It may be
obvious to more advanced players what the advantages of 2nd position
are, but maybe not to less advanced or beginning players. I won't
rehash the clear value in being able to play in various (or all)
positions. But here's some reasons to carry a case-a-harps instead of
just one.

The most fundamental advantage is the available blues scale notes.
Starting on draw 2 provides great availability of usable bendable notes,
especially on the low end where the short harp has the gutsiest sound.
Other positions can't beat 2nd position for access to blues scale notes.
For classic blues, rock, and country I-IV-V based songs, 2nd position
gives you the most usable good notes of any position.

The I, ii, and IV chords are available. These are very usable chords
for blues, rock, and country, and so can be interspersed with single
note play to provide a thicker sound.

Changing harps gives you a greater dynamic range than sticking to a
single harmonica. Tunings go from a full octave below the standard C
tuning all the way up to at least a G above the standard C. This
increases the tonal range by about 50% over the standard C tuning (4.5
octaves vs 3).

Octaves and other intervals are arguably more useful in 2nd position
than the others (except 1st). The presence of useful chords enhances
tongue blocked effects such as "flutter tongue" (rapid removal and
replacement of the tongue on the holes between the interval extremes)
and tongue slaps.

Note placement makes 2-hole shakes a classic technique not always
available in other positions.

As IronMan points out, play notes, not positions. So, if you've got a
harp that gives you more notes and more chords and more techniques...why
not use it?

Bottom line--IMO use the position that suits the music best. Without
good control of valved bends or overblows/draws, 2nd position is going
to win out most often for blues, rock, and country.

And, if you want to play minor blues, Georgia, or Summertime--there's
always the natural minor harps...

Anyone want to 2nd this proposition?

Mic'l