John95683
195 posts
Nov 09, 2014
9:15 PM
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As a relative beginner, I'm not familiar with natural minor harps, nor have I ever played one. I like to play in third position to get what I think is a minor sound, for example, using a G harp to play A minor in third position. That's the way I play Scarborough Fair. Can someone please explain natural minor harps to me? Thanks.
Last Edited by John95683 on Nov 09, 2014 9:16 PM
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Komuso
449 posts
Nov 09, 2014
9:59 PM
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Here's a short explanation from Richard Hunter as to why: If You’re Not Using Natural Minor Harps Yet, Why Not?
Lee Oskar NM product explanation is useful:
Lee Oskar Natural Minor
I play minor in 3rd, 4th, and sometimes 5th (still exploring that one) and also use natural minor and harmonic minor tunings. All good, all have their own flavor. Personally I choose which one suits the song best musically and playability wise (some layouts work better than others depending on song)
For example (using a harmonic minor scale but principle is the same) I'm currently working on a version of Rak Song by Dead Combo
I have this sort of down on guitar (using Am in Open G tuning) and now adding the rack harp. It's much easier to play with a harmonic minor tuning, mentally and physically, as well as the tonality fits better.
A great way of learning is to take a song you know (eg: Scar Fair) and play it on each minor position and on other tunings, then you'll get a real feel for how they differ as well as learn the layouts.
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Paul Cohen aka Komuso Tokugawa
HarpNinja - Your harmonica Mojo Dojo
Bringing the Boogie to the Bitstream
Last Edited by Komuso on Nov 09, 2014 10:07 PM
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hvyj
2578 posts
Nov 09, 2014
10:40 PM
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I believe SCARBOROUGH FAIR is Dorian which lays out well in 3d position. The scale is 1 2 3b 4 5 6 7b
A natural minor scale is 1 2 3b 4 5 6b 7b
A harmonic minor scale is 1 2 3b 4 5 6b 7
Understanding what notes are in each type of minor scale is important to deciding what harp to use for playing particular minor key material.
Last Edited by hvyj on Nov 09, 2014 10:44 PM
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Komuso
450 posts
Nov 10, 2014
1:12 AM
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Good point (= what I mean by layouts)
The 6 on a Natural Minor tuning is an easy 5 draw bend. The 6b is a 5B.
Here's a layout of D Dorian (minor) in 3rd position on a C Richter *Standard tuning* harp
Here's a layout of D Dorian (minor) in 2nd position on a G Natural Minor harp
And for my Am Harmonic scale example, here's the 4th position layout using a C Harp
And using 1st position Am on a A Harmonic Minor tuning (no 10 hole blow bend for me on a lee oskar tho!)
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Paul Cohen aka Komuso Tokugawa
HarpNinja - Your harmonica Mojo Dojo
Bringing the Boogie to the Bitstream
Last Edited by Komuso on Nov 10, 2014 1:47 AM
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