rocketharp
5 posts
Apr 04, 2011
6:03 AM
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im just new this and i have harps in the keys of C and A.
What would be a good key to get next ?
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sammyharp
112 posts
Apr 04, 2011
6:22 AM
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I'd get a D or a G Harp. The D harp will give you Blues in A (2nd pos.) and E minor (3rd pos.). The G harp will give you Blues in D (2nd) and A minor (3rd).
Last Edited by on Apr 04, 2011 2:28 PM
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tookatooka
2265 posts
Apr 04, 2011
6:23 AM
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You'll probably get a lot of differing opinions on this rocket but what I would suggest is a D and then a nice low harp like a low F or low D.
The D is very expressive and seems to amplify tiny differences that you make in the oral cavity. You'll find what you have learnt on the C and A will sound even better on the D.
The Low F or D will get you chugging and the low key will get you exploring other harp playing possibilities.
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RT123
125 posts
Apr 04, 2011
6:29 AM
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It depends, are you playing solo of with a band? If you are playing with a band I agree with the guys above who said to get D, G, F in that order.
If you are playing solo and just want a nice sounding harp, go with a Bb. It is my favorite key to carry in my pocket.
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kudzurunner
2419 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:44 AM
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In terms of what key you're most likely to need a) jamming with people, and b) to copy recorded music, I'll second the general tenor of comments above: after C and A, D is certainly next; then F (especially if you're likely to play with keyboard players: cross harp in C) and G (for first position on folk tunes, and cross harp on some blues, plus a great train-song key).
After that, things are hazier. Bb and Eb would be my choice, especially if you end up jamming with horn players or copying their stuff on recordings.
Ab, B, Db, and F# come last.
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HarpNinja
1290 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:55 AM
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I don't even carry a F#. I usually don't bring a Db either...Even a B is pushing it.
I don't like playing a D harp, but it gets used almost as much as my C.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
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harpdude61
807 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:57 AM
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C..A..D..G..F..Bb..Eb..B..Ab..Db..E..F#
My info of usage is solely based on jamming along with whatever comes up on blues radio. Funny that E harp is not used much.
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LittleBubba
43 posts
Apr 04, 2011
9:42 AM
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So, if you're only gonna get one, averaging out the posts, then a D is next (common denominator) , and I'd concur with that. The exception though would be ruled by determining what you play the most around the house. You'll also find-- like many of the guys around here -- that your ear can take a liking to certain keys. I used to love the Ds cuz they were so loose and bright.
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mercedesrules
94 posts
Apr 04, 2011
10:44 AM
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....."The D harp will give you Blues in D (2nd pos.)"
D harp in cross is "A".
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groyster1
976 posts
Apr 04, 2011
11:22 AM
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Aflat,B,Dflat,E and F# harps are rarely used however I would get a least 1 of each if you encounter 1 of those rare moments
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Miles Dewar
823 posts
Apr 04, 2011
11:28 AM
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Get some high harps!
"D" and "F". You will use them a LOT 2nd position for playing in "A" and "C".
Gotta love them!
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---Go Chicago Bears!!!---
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sammyharp
113 posts
Apr 04, 2011
2:30 PM
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@ mercedesrules - Oops, Typo! Thanks for pointing that out, I posted that really quickly, and obviously made a stupid mistake! I've since fixed it.
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harmonicanick
1149 posts
Apr 04, 2011
2:42 PM
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F and Low F are very useful in jams
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Lightnin' Harp
11 posts
Apr 08, 2011
3:15 AM
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I hate to concur with everyone else, but, they're right. A D harp in A has a nice edge & great tone for train riffs, a G harp in D, great for low deep chugging. Why not try a Bflat in F? Really mellow.
You could do a lot worse than get a set of Hohner BluesBand harps in all major keys, reasonably priced at 40 quid & not bad at all!
LH.
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Andrew
1320 posts
Apr 12, 2011
2:10 AM
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The only reason I ever bought an F# was to play along with DVDs where the original player used an F harp.
(DVDs play at 25fps instead of the original movie's 24, so the soundtrack is about a semitone sharp, although some soundtracks are electronically lowered back to their original pitch)
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Andrew,
gentleman of leisure,
noodler extraordinaire.
Last Edited by on Apr 12, 2011 2:11 AM
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