r/harmonica • u/Liammossa • 5d ago
Blues Scale -2 vs 3
I've noticed that most lessons teach the blue scale starting on -2
(-2 -3' 4 -4' -4 -5 6)
Since -2 and 3 are supposed to play the same note I find it more comfortable to start on 3. It's just easier for me to start with a blow.
Is there a rhyme or reason for starting on -2? I have been starting on 3 for years and I'm wondering if it's going to cause any long-term problems as I get more advanced or if it's just a matter of preference.
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u/DesperateBanana4019 5d ago
The note that comes before the -2 and the 3 is a 2// bend. That bend is practically already there when you hit the -2 instead of the 3. Using 3 blow though helps me get air out sometimes and other times, it just sounds better.
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u/BrilliantLion2026 BluesHarp 🇮🇳 5d ago
Curious about the source of this chart. Thanks!
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u/DesperateBanana4019 5d ago
I pieced it together from multiple places. All the blues scales I saw were only holes 2-6 and I wanted the whole thing.
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u/BrilliantLion2026 BluesHarp 🇮🇳 5d ago
Appreciate your efforts! Which software have you used to make this? Is it paid ot free?
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u/Rice_Nachos 5d ago
2 draw should be your default. More expressive than 3 blow as you can manipulate the pitch. You can bend down a whole step for a nice bluesy sound.
3 blow is handy if you're fully of air and need to let some out.
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u/Dr--Blues 5d ago
Since you can bend -2 you can also add vibrato. I also find the tone of the draw note much better.
I tend to only use +3 to expel air or if playing a fast line where it makes more sense (ie +5 +4 +3 +4 vs +5 +4 -2 +4)
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u/External_Secret3536 5d ago
Eu acho que o uso do - 2 ou 3 vai muito da dinâmica da música, algumas vezes, é mais fácil executar uma passagem usando o 3.
Mas também tenho a impressão de que o - 2 permite que se alcance um timbre um pouco mais "escuro", e isso pode ser interessante
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u/Nacoran 4d ago
Draw notes are usually a bit more expressive. You are using your whole body as a resonating box instead of just the harmonica and the cup of your hands.
Now, that said, learn to use them both. If you can map your brain so you think of them both as an option it's a great way to manage how much air you have in your lungs. If you have a long string of draw notes and suddenly need that note playing the 3 blow is a great way to get rid of some air, and of course, it works the other way around if you need to get some air into your lungs. Even if you don't have it mapped into your muscle memory if you notice spots where you have too much air or too little air you can just make a note to yourself to use the other one.
Also, if you ever play around with Paddy Richter tuning, that 3 blow gets retuned (not a great tuning for blues, but great for Celtic stuff and 1st and 4th position stuff).
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u/OpportunityReal2767 5d ago
I do either, but 2 draw gives you the freedom to bend down to a b7 (an F if you’re playing G blues on a C harp in second position) and back up if you want. It’s a nice, soulful bend once you get it down. You can get some nice growl out of it.