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From: Mike Curtis
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 1996 13:17:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: How many harps do I need ?

On Tue, 8 Oct 1996, Harmonica John Frazer wrote:

> At 1:54 AM 10/8/96, plavall~atsys.fr wrote:

> >it seems that we need a different diatonic harp for a particular scale (ie
> >a C harp to play G Scale). So do I
> >need to buy 12 harps to play in the 12 possible tones ? In theory yes but
> >in practice ? What is the minimum
> >set of diatonic harmonicas a harp player must have to play the most
> >popular scales ?

> buy 12 and get a neck rack. Learn to play drums and harp at the same time.
> I do and it is great fun.

Buy one, learn to play it in all keys. Buy a rack, etc. John and I agree
on at least one thing :-)

Seriously, though, my point is that there are many viewpoints. You
probably don't need all 12 harps. First, there are some keys that are so
rarely used as to be inconsequential. Secondly, it is trivial to play
one harmonica in several keys. First position (labeled key) and second
position (a fifth above labeled key) are quite common. Third position is
also fairly easy (a whole tone above labeled key). This alone can cut
your harmonica requirements.

I've taken this to the extreme, and use only a C major diatonic for all
keys. For me it's easier, because I expect a C note to come out of
blow-4, etc., and if I don't, I find it distracting to say the least.

Perhaps we should put this in the FAQ so everyone doesn't have to answer
it yet again, like most harp-l posts for anyone who's been here for any
length of time ;-)


-- IronMan Mike Curtis
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