Hi fellow harpers. The following is a table & music annotation that will help you to experiment with different Harp 'Positions'. It may also help with understanding 'keys' and the chromatic scale.
Cross Harp Conversions
P Position
|
1st |
C |
Db |
D |
Eb |
E |
F |
F# |
G |
Ab |
A |
Bb |
B |
|
2nd |
G |
Ab |
A |
Bb |
B |
C |
Db |
D |
Eb |
E |
F |
F# |
|
3rd |
Dm |
Ebm |
Em |
Fm |
F#m |
Gm |
Abm |
Am |
Bbm |
Bm |
Cm |
Dbm |
|
4th |
Am |
Bbm |
Bm |
Cm |
Dbm |
Dm |
Ebm |
Em |
Fm |
F#m |
Gm |
Abm |
|
5th |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Capital lettering = Major key, small “m” = Minor key, b = flat, # = Sharp) Note - For simplicity I have shown all keys in common harp key labeling++, so be aware that Db is the same note as C# & likewise for G# & Ab – eg… Db is the same key as C#.
Use the harp shown on the first line (1st position) to play in the required position for the key below.
Example – if you wish to play 2nd position for music written in the key of G, use a C harp.
If the music key is Cm & you wish to play in 3rd position, use a Bb harp; Cm in 4th Pos’ use an Eb harp.
To play straight harp, simply use the same harp corresponding with 1st position.
Music Key Signatures
b’s or #’s Major Key Minor Key
None C (Concert Pitch) A
F# G E
F#,C# D B
F#,C#,G# A F#
F#,C#,G#,D# E C#
F#,C#,G#,D#,A# B Ab
F#,C#,G#,D#,A#,E# F# Eb
Same as Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,Cb Gb
F#,C#,G#,D#,A#,E#,B# C# Bb
Same as Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb Db
Bb,Eb,Ab,Db Ab F
Bb,Eb,Ab Eb C
Bb,Eb Bb G
Bb F D
Duel Name Notes - The note below is exactly the same pitch as the note above - {C & B# are the same}
|
C |
C# |
D# |
E |
F |
F# |
G# |
A# |
B |
|
B# |
Db |
Eb |
Fb |
E# |
Gb |
Ab |
Bb |
Cb |
++ Most common Key labeling by Harp makers
S
Singular Name Notes - There is only one of these notes - regardless of the key.
|
D |
G |
A |
Happy Harpin'
Chroman