Note-for-Note
Wed, 08/27/2014 - 10:10
So the flip side of this coin is to realize that one diatonic harmonica can play in many positions with bending only at the low and high ends? Those would basically be the modes based on the major scale. Counting the major scale that would give us seven positions. 2nd position on the C harp is playing in G. 1st position on the C harp is C so the rhumba I IV and V chords are C, F and G. If we play 4+, 5+ and 6+ for the I chord it's C, E and G. The IV chord is F, A and C from holes 5, 6 and 7+. The V chord is G, B and D from holes 6, 7 and 8.
The first thing to state is that our harmonica is already missing three notes of its major scale, 2" F, 3" A and 10'+ B, so we have to bend even in 1st Position to play it completely. With that complete scale, you can play in 7 modes, as you stated, without any other bending. If you change modes, like playing in G Major (not G Mixolydian), then you'll need the F# 2' and 9'+. So, chafing keys requires more bending. Check out the Understanding Position Playing lesson when you get a chance... it's fascinating stuff.