cproctor
1 post
Dec 23, 2008
8:05 AM
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Hello, everyone. I am about as new as they come. I've been working on the first set of lessons that I got from Adam and I'm having a great time! I have always loved blues harp, but have never committed myself to learning it. Now, I'm on a mission! lol
Anyway, I was curious how some of you determine the key a song is in if you don't have the sheet music. I imagine it's be a little easier if there is already a harp in the song, but what if there isn't?
I'd be curious to hear your ideas!
Thanks!
Chris
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M
Guest
Dec 23, 2008
9:17 AM
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It's tough. You have to have a good ear. I usually start going through my harps and holding the two draw for a second or so, and just listen to see if it sounds right.
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Blackbird
21 posts
Dec 23, 2008
12:29 PM
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Check Adam's Youtube videos, particularly numbers 51 and 52 - the 'copy and comp' lessons. Also 133 and 134, I believe, where he details how to play guitar equivalent notes on harmonica. Those will be a good start, and helped me to the point I can now find song keys fairly quickly by knowing where to start on the harp and listen for tonality.
http://www.youtube.com/user/KudzuRunner
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SUNDOG
54 posts
Dec 23, 2008
2:23 PM
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I have a piece of foam in my Harp case 1 inch thick by 18inch by 12inch (USE IT TO CUSHION MY HARPS IN TRANSIT) with large block letters that asks.......
WHAT KEY ?
at a jam I just prop it up somewhere an make a joke about it to the other jammers... They are usually gracious and let me know......
r,
Neal aka SUNDOG
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oldwailer
397 posts
Dec 23, 2008
6:00 PM
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I just toot on the 2 draw a few times--if that just sounds wrong, I go to the 1 blow and toot a little. If that doesn't work--I try a 4 draw.
That way--I cover three keys with one harp--like, if I have a C harp in my hand--if 2 draw doesn't work, it isn't in the key of G--if 4 blow doesn't work, it isn't in the key of C--if 4 draw doesn't work, it isn't in D.
Then, you pick up the next harp. I think you'll know when you hit it--it just sounds right and you don't need any rocket science or ten years of experience to know--you just know.
When nothing is working--pick up the next harp.
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MrVerylongusername
78 posts
Dec 24, 2008
1:28 AM
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Q. If you throw a harp player and a drummer off a cliff, who hits the ground first?
A. The drummer! The harp player has to stop half way down to ask what key they're in.
Seriously, if you're playing with a band - learn the basic guitar chord shapes - it helps immensely. If you're working from a recording, google for the guitar tab, and work out the key from that.
Happy Holidays folks
Last Edited by on Dec 24, 2008 1:29 AM
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