Which blues harp for which key?

It’s best to get a harmonica tuned to the key of C if you’re just starting out. You’ll be able to play up to 3 octaves on a C major scale. Many of the songs you will learn are also tuned to the key of C. Most blues harmonicas are played in what’s called a “second position” or also known as a “cross harp”.

What is 2nd position on harmonica?

2nd position (or “cross harp”): Mixolydian mode. Playing the harmonica in a key a fourth below its intended key. Playing just the unbended notes, this position gives the mixolydian scale between 2 draw and 6 blow.

What is 1st and 2nd position harmonica?

1st position just means playing in the key that the harmonica comes in. So, if you have an A harmonica you will be playing in the key of A. The root note will be the 1 blow, 4 blow, 7 blow and 10 blow. 2nd position (Cross Harp) Traditionally, a lot of blues is played in 2nd position.

Where do you play the blues harp riffs?

All riffs are played in the 2nd Position (also called “Cross Harp” or “Blues Harp Style”) – For more information on 2nd Position , visit the General Overview section. Use your own timing – Except for the triplet riffs, you can use your own timing with these riffs to make them fit into whatever song you are playing with.

Which is the first position in the harp?

NOTE: It is important to know that 1st Position (starting from BLOW / EXHALE) plays in a different key from 2nd Position (starting from DRAW / INHALE). It is necessary to determine which style of playing will be used to know which key of harp to select.

How do you play a cross harp on a keyboard?

Use the “2nd Position Key” gray column first – Locate the key of the song you want to play to in the gray column below called “2nd Position Key (Cross Harp)”. Use the “Key of Harmonica” column next – Then, find the key of harmonica you will need to use from the bolded “Key of Harmonica” column to the left.

What kind of music can you play with a straight harp?

In 1 st Position (Straight Harp), you can play: Irish, Clave/Afro music. In 2 nd Position (Cross Harp), you can play: R&B, Country, Reggae, Pop, Jazz, Latin. (The Melody Maker™ is NOT recommended for Blues). As examples, use a G Melody Maker™ to play in key of G; or use E Melody Maker™ to play in key of E, etc. OR…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhKxBJ81VRU