If my cbg is tuned to the key of A what key of harp should I play cross harp in? C harmonica? D harmonica? I am thinking it is C....but I could be wrong.
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here's the down to earth truth. most old time harp players probably wouldn't know about positions and the like. if you are playing cross harp (which is what you're asking about) don't worry about positions. use a "d" if the song is in the key of "a" don't worry about the math it's a "d" harp bottom line. oh, your in "g", then you use a "c" harp, period. memorize it if you like. how many keys are you really going to play in 3 or 4, then that's not too much to remember.
for the most part everyone's giving correct information. it's just way to confusing. my good friends who blow harp like nobody's business have no idea about circles, cycles and what have you. they know if your songs in "e", grab and "a" harp. too much mathematical thinking leads to stale boring music, imo.
btw, there is an unreal amount of guidance and lessons for harp on youtube. and this topic is probably better explained by someone there.
Okay....you count for A on the circle of fifths....then the key of A is D....so I guess I am not understanding how you get to that conclusion.....not that I don't belive anyone....just can't remember all of my harmonica home work. When you use draw notes on a D harp....is that not in the key of A? Just wondering....
sad sack's chart is a nice summary. This is the "cycle of fourths" in music theory. There is a good description here: http://www.studybass.com/lessons/harmony/the-circle-of-fifths-diagram/. It summarizes by saying that all you need to memorize is BEAD GCF (B->E, E->A, A->D, etc.).
Uh, yep, Garys right.. sorry to lead u up the garden path..
fourth one will work, but will not give you the blues sound you're after, more like kooky zappa- cartoon theme feel..
I have had the same question. Is there a chart somewhere that has this stuff in it?
Dennis Brooker said:
Jerry - It doesn't matter what your guitar is tuned to, it matters what "ke"y the song you're going to play as to what harp you pick to play cross harp - If you play a song in the key of "A" then you use a "D" harp to play cross harp - If the key of the song is in "G" then you use a "C" harp, etc. - Hope this helps - DB
Jerry - It doesn't matter what your guitar is tuned to, it matters what "ke"y the song you're going to play as to what harp you pick to play cross harp - If you play a song in the key of "A" then you use a "D" harp to play cross harp - If the key of the song is in "G" then you use a "C" harp, etc. - Hope this helps - DB
Replies
for the most part everyone's giving correct information. it's just way to confusing. my good friends who blow harp like nobody's business have no idea about circles, cycles and what have you. they know if your songs in "e", grab and "a" harp. too much mathematical thinking leads to stale boring music, imo.
btw, there is an unreal amount of guidance and lessons for harp on youtube. and this topic is probably better explained by someone there.
Song Key Harp Key
Ab Db
A D
Bb Eb
B E
C F
Db F#
D G
Eb Ab
E A
F Bb
F# B
G C
fourth one will work, but will not give you the blues sound you're after, more like kooky zappa- cartoon theme feel..
if A=1, then b=2, c (c# really but irrelevant)=3,D=4..
if G, then a=2, b=3, c=4..
hope that helps
Dennis Brooker said: