Scale Quality: Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor.
Hello Kinya,
Could you explain the differences between: Major, Natural Minor and Harmonic Minor harmonica please.
Thank you.
a) and c).
- Something of theory in terms of frequency(minued, subtrahend, difference) and harmonica reeds, I can not understand these words: tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, subtonic, etc.
- I am in the Blues train,
- and absolutely looking for a Bb harmonica with no flavor of bronze or plastic or aluminum, made in U.S.A to practice some solos of Little Walter and SBW I, SBW II.
Thanks in advance.
For many harmonicas players (beginners to professional level) a simple and practical understanding of scale modes are sufficient enough to enjoy playing and listening to music. An advanced level of music theory will be mandatory if your aspirations are to compose new music or possibly conduct an orchestra or lead a band ...
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Typically, it begins with us liking a particular song. Next we place that song into a genre: Blues, Jazz, Soul, Rock & Roll, Pop, Irish, Country, Folk, Techno, Funk, etc. Genres narrows down our search for the way a song is presented.
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Each genre of music has a signature sound made up of Song Key, Tempo, Scale modality, Chords, and Arrangement.
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If you're goal is to be able to transcribe a particular lick from a song that you enjoy listening to, then learn to "play along", or perform the song on the Bandstand, the process would be to: (a) use your harmonicas (start with C) to explore the choice of notes with those heard on the recording. For beginners, this could be challenging because you have yet to build up your inventory of harmonicas (typically for Blues players, G, A, Bb, C, D, F harmonicas). In this case, I would recommend working with a friend who plays a chromatic instrument; such as Piano, Guitar or even Chromatic Harmonica.
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Once you are satsified that you had chosen the song's predominant note--the Song Key, then you can move onto the task of selecting the Positions (Scale Modalities).
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The Rules of Diatonic Harmonica Positions are:
- 1st Position (Major voicing, Ionian scale) Song Key matches the Harmonica Key and the "home" notes will be found on Blow Holes 1, 4, 7 . This position is preferred for Folk, Campfire, and Pop type songs (listen to Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen).
- 2nd Position (Blusey voicing, Mixolydian scale) Song Key matches the 2 draw hole (and 3 blow and 6 blow) This position is preferred for most Blues and Jazz type songs (listen to Little Walter, Paul Butterfield).
- 3rd Position (Minor Bluesy voicing, but technically many players use a Dorian Scale) Song Key matches the 1, 4, 9 Draw Holes. This position is also preferred for Blues and Jazz type songs (listen to Summertime, Ain’t No Sunshine, Work Song).
The “go to” chart that I use is called the Circle of Fifths--use outer ring (inside ring will be for another lesson ;o). Instead of thinking half steps--as intended, I simply do the following:
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Select the Song Key, for example, G. You will play your G harmonica. This will be your 1st position--Easy!
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Continue using the G as #1, count #2 to the left and you will land on C. This means if you want to play a song in the key of G, the harmonica that you will grab would be your C harmonica. Voila! Second position--again easy.
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Continue using the G as #1, C as #2, guess what harmonica you would select to play in 3rd position--F? Damn straight Skippy! Play your F harmonica--done and dusted.
As for the the make and model of the harmonicas you select, it is a matter of personal taste. From a Harp Tech’s perspective, I always look under the hood (cover plates) for quality parts and assembly. Fortunately you have exceptional harmonica manufactures, such as Hohner, Suzuki, and Seydel to choose from.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello RQNAT,
Is your interest in these different scale "modes" one of music theory curiosity, selection of music types/genres, or are you attempting to narrow down your choice of harmonicas to purchase?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya