New Life for First Position

 

The simple things often pass us by!  While looking that the note structure of the Diatonic in 1st position, the 1, 4 & 5 chords, the heart of the blues and many other music types are available.  Even the blues in 1st position!  The feeling is a bit more cheery than the blues, but fun nevertheless.

 

For the key of C, the 1 chord: C, is the tonic or root chord of the scale.  The 4 or subdominant chord is F and the dominant or 5 chord is G.

 

 The basic song structure using the 1, 4 & 5 chords is, for the key C:

 

            C   /   /   /   C   /   /   /   C   /   /   /   C   /   /   /  

            F   /   /   /   F   /   /   /   C   /   /   /   C   /   /   /

            G   /   /   /   F   /   /   /   C   /   /   /   G  /   /   /

 

This simple chord refrain and variations of it has been the bedrock for countless songs.

 

The 1 chord or tonic for C is of course C and is composed of the note triad of  C, E & G. This can be produced by blowing any combination of the Diatonic's chambers.  (Draw on chamber #2 works too if your using arpeggio chords; playing single notes in succession rather than all at once.)

 

           

            1; Tonic Chord

 

The 4 chord (F) is made with the triad F, A & C.  While not available all at once, either blowing or drawing, the 4 chord offers some unique opportunities.

 

           

            4; Subdominant Chord

 

At draw chambers 5 & 6 are F & A.  Blowing chambers 4 & 7 produces an octave of C.  Using a little combination of pucker and tongue blocking, drawing and blowing respectively, creates an interesting effect.  Pucker and draw chambers 5 & 6 a few times, then block chambers 5 & 6 with your tongue, expand just a bit and blow chambers 4 & 7.  Alternate these and work with leading and resolution tones.

 

 

 

 

The 5 chord or G is created with G, B &  D.  The same tongue block method described for the 4 chord can be used here to in chambers 6-9.  The full chord can be found on draw 2-4 and some special effects like hyperventilation through chamber #3.

 

           

            5; Dominant Chord

 

Because all the notes available are in the Major scale, it's hard to go wrong.  On the other hand, creating a bluesy feel, hitting the 4 & 5 chords and using appropriate leading and resolution notes is a challenge.

 

Keep 'a Harpin',

 

Bill