Posted by Nick H on July 16, 2001 at 05:27:28:
In Reply to: Blues Key posted by John Parkson on July 15, 2001 at 16:40:52:
John
I play in lots of open mic night sessions and the keys I use most are A (2nd position) for the key of E; many jimmy reid blues are in E; and D (2nd Position for A).
If you have a C & G as well now you are getting coverage.
Ask the guitarist what key he is playing in and count 3 on. But remember the guitar is often out of tune, certainly at open sessions. You must stop the guitarist (not always easy) and check his/her tuning against a blow note on your harp.
At the end of the day if the guitarist is playing turn away from your mic and just listen and balance the key in your head and follow your instincts...
Sometimes I play with musicians who deliberately tell you the wrong key!! It keeps you on your toes