Re: [Harp-L] Just what exactly is 'key'?

["David Priestley ( for harp-L)" <dmharpman@xxxxxxxxx>]

 Hi
I have followed this discussion with interest. I think that the question 
has been answered fully, all-be-it in a near confusing number of ways.

On the simplest of functional descriptions, you can tell when you and 
other players are sharing a key because the sounds that you collectively 
make  will all 'fit' together.

When you look to to make a description that is based on the use of the 
musical theory one is involved in the problem of 'language'. If you 
don't understand the terminology you will be at a disadvantage when you 
enter upon such a discussion.

One of the main reasons that we use the terminology that we do, is 
because music theory has evolved  a method of describing stuff that
works. Trying to re-say this musical stuff in non-musical terms will 
tend to become involved and at times confusing.

Taking some time out to sort out a better understanding with the help of 
a music teacher will always be money and time well spent.

yours David

On 09/05/2011 18:53, Buck Worley wrote:
> I would use a cow-bell. I have never been able to "pick out" a decent harp thing (for my taste) for this song:D
>
> Off the top of my head, if I were "padding" which is what I usually do when in a situation where I have to assist on harp on this song, I would use a G harp but I think I play in 1st position actually and swwitch to 2nd position (Harp=C) for some fills or a dreadful solo.
>
> If writing a chord chart, I think I would write it as 5/4 1 (key=G; to my ears G is the tonal center). May not be correct, but that's how I would do it (who needs a chart for this song anyway?). Actually, I would sit out on this song if possible or play guitar. I just dont think harp "fits" and I have heard too many bar bands destroy this great song.
> Buck
>
>
> > To: robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Just what exactly is 'key'?
> > From: icemanle@xxxxxxx
> > Date: Sun, 8 May 2011 21:42:42 -0400
> > CC:
> >
> > If the I chord is supposed to give a feeling of finality or arrival, which of your number interpretations would be the most logical choice?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Robert Hale<robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > To: harp-L list<harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> > Sent: Sun, May 8, 2011 10:30 am
> > Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Just what exactly is 'key'?
> >
> >
> > Sweet Home Alabama, and Werewolves of London are repeating patterns.
> > Chords: D/C G (for example)
> >
> > Do I name it for the first chord D or the last chord G?
> > Will I play G harp 2nd position D ?
> >
> > In Numbers is it 5/4 1, or 1/b7 4 ?
> >
> > Robert Hale
> > dukeofwail.com
> > Gilbert AZ (Phoenix)
>   		 	   		

--
D Priestley AKA Dr Midnight.
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