r/harmonica • u/Youneedaharmonica • 12h ago
Positions Explained For Newbies
Whats a position?
A Harmonica Position is related to the circle of fifths. A position allows the use of different keys on a single key (diatonic) insturment.
This is exciting for the simple fact the more positions you learn, the more you can play on a single harp!
What is the circle of fifths?
The circle of fifths is a chart that shows how each key is related to the others. Example below:
How to use positions:
1st position is always the key of your harp.
On a C harp, 1st position is C Major.
On a G harp, 1st position is G major.
On an A harp, 1st position is A major scale.
2nd position can be found counting over 1 space on the circle of Fifths:
On a C harp, 2nd position is G
On an A harp, 2nd position is E
On a G harp, 2nd position is D
And so forth.
Starting at your first position key on the circle of fifths, you can count over to the right and find other positions(keys) to play in. Learn the position pattern on any key and it will be the same on any other harmonica, provided you use the same tuning.
So to play 1st position on a G, C, A, or any other key harp, the pattern of notes will be the same.
Learn Harmonica today!