Posted by Bill (198.107.4.38) on September 10, 2000 at 04:45:31:
In Reply to: Sheet Music posted by Robert on September 09, 2000 at 20:22:08:
: I recently purchased a very good fake book for rock songs. Everything is written in sheet music, and the cover says its suitable for pianos, guitars, etc. and C instruments. I own a diatonic C harmonica. I was wondering if anyone knows how I can play the songs using the harmonica? Is it possible to play them with the harmonica I have? Or do i need a chromatic? But the problem is, how do I know which hole to blow/draw from the sheet music. That is, is there any transcribing process that i might be able to utilize? Please, if you know, please tell me, it will help me greatly
It may be possible to play these songs with a diatonic, at least some of them.. You will need a book on beginners music so you can interpret the sheet music notes. You'll also need a lay out of where the notes on you harmonica are. Then if you are not a proficient sight reader of music you begin the laborious task of noting under the music staff which hole you blow or draw from.
Just because the book says for C instruments, doesn't mean each song is in the key of C. Rather that the music is written for C instruments like piano, Guitar rather than say a saxaphone which is a Bb instrument... (deep music theory stuff) Transpose a song in A to C like this A (c) B (d) C# (e) D (f) E (g) F# (a) G# (b) A (c) which means for an A on the staff you play C for B you play D for a C# you play D... All the melody notes may not be availabe on the diatonic harmonica for evey song in your book and you may have to vary you playing style from 1st, 2nd and 3rd position. If any of this is beyond where you understand the harmonica please feel free to email me and I'll be glad to get you up to speed.
Bill