Re: [Harp-L] tab question

Tony Eyers <tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:24:03 -0800

Doug - sorry to jump on your thread.  I should have looked more closely
I use a simple tab for Harmonica Academy, as follows
1 draw, 2 draw are written 1D, 2D etc
1 blow, 2 blow are written 1B, 2B etc
A half tone bend is a single apostrophe, a whole tone bend a double 
apostrophe, e.g. 3D', 3D"
The one and a half tone bend on the 3 draw is 3D'"
Chords, double stops or any notes played together are enclosed with 
brackets, e.g. (1D 4D), (1D 2D 3D)
There is no notation for overblows.
I developed this system for my online lessons, it has the advantage of 
being written with a keyboard. However I'm sure that similar and perhaps 
better notations preceded mine. It's called the Blow Draw or BD notation.
Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
...everyone plays

On 2/6/2011 7:43 PM, Doug H wrote:

No, my asking of this question is totally unrelated to the 'reading 
music' thread.  It is simply and exactly as I presented it - a quest 
to find any examples of tab that indicates double stops, etc.  Rather 
than invent my own method I am more than willing to use an existing 
system if there is one.  All help appreciated.

I have no ill will toward those who want to discuss reading music, but 
please post under that heading so my post won't get lost in the 
shuffle.  Thanks.

Doug H
    ----- Original Message -----
    *From:* Tony Eyers <mailto:tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
    *To:* harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx <mailto:harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
    *Sent:* Monday, February 07, 2011 3:06 PM
    *Subject:* [Harp-L] tab question
    This thread seems to follow on from the Reading Music one. These
    threads
    come up regularly, sometimes with a little heat.
    Here is my take. I read music quite well - for baroque recorder. I
    play
    in a professional baroque ensemble, rehearsing and performing without
    music is out of the question. I hardly read at all for harmonica,
    over
    the years many of the elite players I've met are likewise. I wrote
    the
    following in one of my tremolo harmonica lessons (apologies in
    advance
    for quoting myself)
    "The ability to read scores is useful, but not essential. Many
    excellent
    players cannot read scores at all, or at best, only slowly. The
    scores
    in these lessons are an efficient way to show the notes and the
    rhythm.
    But, the aim is to play music. As soon as possible, learn the tunes,
    ignore the scores and just play."
    If reading music is the shortest path to playing it, the case for
    classical (and baroque) performers, then learn to read. Otherwise,
    just
    play.
    Tony Eyers
    Australia
    www.HarmonicaAcademy.com <http://www.HarmonicaAcademy.com>
    ...everyone plays