Strange Tuning
I got a harp the other day with a strange tuning. It's stamped E and Moll on the coverplate and reed plates. As near as I can figure out it is an E harmonic minor. G#s tuned to G. C#s tuned to C. Am I close on this. The tuning is too close to being on pitch to be random. Also it is in tune with itself. If that makes sense. "Moll" must be a German Key notation.
I'm a sucker for strange stuff.
thanks......Mike
It would play well at the Mos Eisley Cantina. ;)
Thank you.......Mike
Hello Mike, hmmm-an E Natural Minor diatonic harmonica ...
Here is the formula for transforming an E Major scale into an E Natural Minor scale:
- Layout the seven notes of a Major E Scale: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#
- Starting from the left, assign a number to each note (not to be confused with number of the mouthpiece hole): 1=E, 2=F#, 3=G#, 4=A, 5=B, 6=C#, 7=D#
- Natural Minor scales, by definition lowers (flatten) three specific notes in the scale by 1 semi-tone (aka 1 1/2 step). This includes the 3rd scale degree: G# becomes G, the 6th scale degree: C# becoming C, and the 7th scale degree: D# becomes D
- Your E Natural Minor scale will be: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D
As far as your harmonica's Natural Minor note layout:
BLOW: 1hole=E, 2hole=G, 3hole=B, 4hole=E, 5hole=G, 6hole=B, 7hole=E, 8hole=G, 9hole=B, 10hole=E
DRAW: 1hole=F#, 2hole=B, 3hole=D, 4hole=F#, 5hole=A, 6hole=C, 7hole=D, 8hole=F#, 9hole=A, 10hole=C
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Wow great lesson. Thanks. I didn't give enough information in my first post.
On this harmonica the blow notes are the same as the natural minor but the draw notes are different. The Fs and Ds stay sharp but the Gs and Cs go from sharp to natural
DRAW: 1hole=F#, 2hole=B, 3hole=D#, 4hole=F#, 5hole=A, 6hole=C, 7hole=D#, 8hole=F#, 9hole=A, 10hole=C
Tha's why I was thinking E Harmonic Minor.
Another Question... on a E natural minor wouldn't the 6&10 draw be C#?
thanks.......Mike
Thanx Mike, you are correcto!
When playing cross harp on your E Natural Minor tuned harmonica--you will be performing in band key Bm. This means the 6 and 10 draw notes will be C#. Good call.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Moll = Minor