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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Song of band in a "flat key"

1 reply [Last post]
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 11:42
Nick Klaich
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Joined: 11/24/2010

Hi Dave,
So I have been watching players on You Tube and I see some variation in the key of harp used when the band is playing in a flat key. For example, if the song is in "B flat" I see players going up one key and use an "A" harp. Is this right or am I off??
Thanks!

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Sat, 05/21/2011 - 16:18
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Nick

It would be an A-flat harp (this is 3rd Position)... this would place them and the band in the key of B-flat. Flats do not in themselves warrant a player to play in a position besides the common 2nd Position, but keys where it would place a player on a very low, very high (Eb harp in our case of the band key Bb), or a key of harmonica of which they do not own, constitutes playing in another position. Watch the lesson on Understanding Position Playing, this will explain everything. Also download the position chart on that page, that tells you the relations of keys.

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