[Milkman]

I can play a bit, but I need to learn a part and could use a bit of advice.


I currently play what's called "straight harp" in the Billy Joel song "Piano Man".


Now we're working on Supertramp's "School" which is "blues" or "cross" harp.


This means that for a song in the key of A- you use a harmonica in a different key.


What key of harp do I need to play over A minor?

I've been told that it's a D harmonica.


Can anyone confirm or refute this?

 

[dtman]

You were told right. HAve a look here : http://www.fetherbay.com/HarpTutorial.html

 

[Benee Wafers]

Ya all I know is that there is the folk tradition of harp playing which is playing a harp of the same key that you're playing in or the blues style which plays harp in the middle chord of your I IV V.
Therefore EAB plays A harp GCD plays C harp. You get the idea.
Benee Wafers

 

[dwagar]

As I understand it cross harp is the 4th, so when you draw on it you're back to the root.

At our gig last night our harp player brought a new harp in Dm. This is the first time I've heard of a minor harp.