While searching for something else, I found this wonderful thing. When I hear Charlie Musselwhite play 3rd position I wonder why 2nd position is so dominant.
1m 8s - this is where the ambiguous pitch of the 3D bends becomes an asset not a liability.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Dec 08, 2015 11:15 PM
I remember a discussion on Harp-L years ago about this very subject.The consensus was that as a beginner you are better off starting by learning to play in third for a lot of practical reasons. Unfortunately i have forgotten the 'reasons' but I do love third position.
Maybe im missing something but id think the somewhat inflexible 5 draw minor 3rd is the drawback for 3rd position. And if you use the lower octave you do really need to have the bends under control
I think those 3 draw bends are still kind of a liability in 3rd (but an asset if you're good at them). He's masterful with the minor 3rd bend for the b5 in 3rd.
His tone is so rich and satisfying here, that's what it's all about. Great post!
---------- 4' 4+ 3' 2~~~ -Mike Ziemba Harmonica is Life!
Last Edited by slaphappy on Dec 09, 2015 12:36 PM
Really here I was just sharing this wonderful piece of music that grabbed me.
But no I'm not advocating dropping 2nd position in favour of 3rd. I do wonder why 2nd position is quite so dominant. When I hear a piece like this, it makes me think that there are largely untapped resources in 3rd.
3rd is great and is a must for any serious harp player. Guys like Jason Ricci and Ronni Shellist told me that they play in third just as much if not more than second on a gig.
Yes, you do need to be mindful when playing this minor position over a major key. There are some numbers, for me anyway, that I find just don't work in this position. Perhaps it's the mastery I lack. But I certainly use it at least as much as 2nd position.
