Re: Jimix Hendrix - Hey Joe + Harmonica (How to figure out keys)

Rufus wrote:
Greg Cisko wrote:
"RPM1" <rpm9deleteme@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:g1c5dg$622$1@xxxxxxxxxxx
Best keys for blues harp are D, E, F, G, A for which you would most likely use harps in the keys of G, A, Bb, C, D respectively.

OK so you seem like the perfect resource. Which harp should we use for "the
wizard"? Thanks in advance.



Every harp player I've ever played with (blues/rock) says they select one that is one step down from the key of the song - a D harp for a song in E, for example.


That's 3rd position or "slant harp". It's used for blues and rock. The majority of blues harp uses 2nd position, "cross harp". In cross you would use an 'A' harp to play a song in 'E'. Cross harp is even more bluesy than slant harp.

Being a programmer I have written a little program will give you the diatonic harmonica layout in notes and intervals. All you do is pick the key of the music and the key of the harmonica and it shows you the layouts with bends. I don't have a web site to post it on, but if somebody wants it, I can email it to you. Or even better still if somebody has a website where they can make it available, I'll send you a copy so you can put it on your website.

Patrick


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