Re: [Harp-L] Typical keys for blues




On Feb 5, 2011, at 4:58 PM, John F. Potts wrote:


Keep in mind that keyboard players often prefer to play blues in Bb and commonly do.

JP

This is so true AND it is also what a lot of horn players prefer. With most horns, Bb is going to be C fingering. Now in the harmonica world, it would be advantageous to have the ends of the phrases ending on DRAW notes. Draw notes can offer more expression. That 'haunting' sound. This wouldn't make any difference to a horn (say trumpet) as they are all blow instruments and since you 'invent' your expressionism by the way you apply shape and pressure to the mouthpiece, it doesn't really matter.


Ordinarily, sans keyboard and WITH strings as a basis, I would say that the most popular (probably 7 out of 8) keys are: 4 sharps, 3 sharps, 2 sharps, 1 sharp. Then an occasional minor or a C.

Jass would be different. With mostly: Eb, F, Bb, Ab. Then an occasional minor or C.

smo-joe



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