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From: Mike Curtis
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 13:02:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: How many harps do I need ?

> There was no mention of blues in the statement. There are other kinds of
> music which people play on the little toy instrument. If you can't get a
> major scale, it makes it hard to play many melodies.

1st, 2nd, and 12th positions provide very usable major scales.

But we've gone way off topic. My point is that you don't NEED 12 harps
to play in all 12 keys. Sure it's easier, but since when does ease make
it absolute?

I feel it is erroneous to rule out valving and overblowing. It is trivial
to valve any harp, and this makes over three COMPLETE octaves available,
as does overblowing. There are also major scales (or portions thereof)
available by using creative bending. So I don't see either of these as
being a factor that can be dogmatically ruled out, even if you personally
don't use them.

So the absolute claim that you NEED 12 harps to play 12 keys is specious.
It's EASIER, but being EASIER doesn't make it an absolute. It's how most
harp players do it, but that doesn't make it the ONLY way - nor even
necessarily the "right" way.

I'm not saying that this is the best way - only that it's an option. But
it's the best way for me and what I want out of harmonica. I don't want
to copy "everyone else". I want to make my own music. Those who accept
the restrictions of the past are limited.

> hj I'm right, so don't bother arguing.

(Humor alert)
And if I argue, will you hold your breath until you turn blue ;-)
(End humor alert)


-- IronMan Mike Curtis
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