TRANSPOSITION Chart - MAJOR KEYS

[henrymouni]

I am very grateful to JP for helping me to upload this file.
I am a computer numpty!!


When I tab the songs I try to pick a key that suits the 12 hole Chromatic,
and matches the playalong.
Sometimes I do it by ear and sometimes with sheet music.
Even if I have the sheet music it is mostly in the wrong key for the playalong so I have to transpose
the music to the required key.
I realise that some keys may be a bit difficult and you may like to play in a more suitable key.
I have created this 'Transposition Chart' so you can change the keys yourself and also see the notes that hide
in each hole.
I suggest you print it out now so you can follow me.

You will see that the chart starts with 'C'.
This is the layout of your 'C' Chromatic.
In hole 4 the notes are reversed on your chromatic.
On your 'C' 4 blow is 'C' and 4 draw is 'B' which is out of sequence.
If you prefer you can tippex and swap them over.
I have put two way arrows to remind you if you leave them.
All the other keys are laid out in the same manner.
If you were to order a Chromatic in any of the other keys that is how they would be tuned in each hole.
How does it work?
Easy Peasy.
If I have tabbed in 'C' and you want to transpose to 'G'=
If the first note is 'E'/2 blow then slide to 'G', which is next door and you see the note is
'B' or 4 draw, on your 'C' Chromatic.
You have just transposed from 'C' to 'G'.
When you start to transpose you will see that some songs/keys sit better than others.
You may wish for a Chromatic with a lower octave.
The beauty of changing keys is you can always find a key that will allow you play lower down the harmonica if you wish to.
Jimmy prefers the Lower chromatics and may prefer to move the tabs higher up the harmonica.
You can experiment with the tabs and it will become clearer.
It is also nice to think of notes as well as numbers.
I have typed this quickly as I have managed to upload the PDF and I cannot remove it,
so rather than leave it blank.......

I will come back and add bits when I have had time to ponder.

If there is ANYTHING that is not clear PLEASE ask.


Henry.

[Hans H]

Hello Henry,

I used your transposition chart a few times to transpose songs to a lower key (I don't like the higher notes) and found it very useful. Because I am a beginner and have no knowledge of music theory and do not know which note is in which hole by hart I have put your chart in a spread sheet and added some info which, for me, made it easier to work with. I hope you don't mind.

Regards,

Hans.  

[henrymouni]

Hello Henry,

I used your transposition chart a few times to transpose songs to a lower key (I don't like the higher notes) and found it very useful. Because I am a beginner and have no knowledge of music theory and do not know which note is in which hole by hart I have put your chart in a spread sheet and added some info which, for me, made it easier to work with. I hope you don't mind.

Regards,

Hans. 

Excellent Hans!
Whatever helps you is fine by me.


Henry.

[Jimmy Halfnote]

Hey Henry ,  Where is this chart ? Sounds wonderful , would save me counting half tones on my fingers and toes, and that 'F' is well named. Is there not enough pressure in my steam operated apparatus, is there a crabbit crow sitting on my aerial again, i lost pictures from Bill from the Windy City last night, because a short sighted Owl perched on my aerial, maybe i need a shilling for the meter, whatever i want this chart , where is, where is .
                                                                                                          jh

[henrymouni]

Hey Henry ,  Where is this chart ? Sounds wonderful , would save me counting half tones on my fingers and toes, and that 'F' is well named. Is there not enough pressure in my steam operated apparatus, is there a crabbit crow sitting on my aerial again, i lost pictures from Bill from the Windy City last night, because a short sighted Owl perched on my aerial, maybe i need a shilling for the meter, whatever i want this chart , where is, where is .
                                                                                                          jh

It is at the bottom of my mail at the top of this page.
Where have you been Jimmy!!


Henry.

[Jimmy Halfnote]

Eh,   Whose mail ? Where mail ? my mail, your mail, no mail, all out of mail Henry,
              excuse the idiot,
                                                      jh

[henrymouni]

Eh,   Whose mail ? Where mail ? my mail, your mail, no mail, all out of mail Henry,
              excuse the idiot,
                                                      jh

 
I have sent you a copy to your own e-mail Jimmy.

What I meant was if you go to the top of this page to the first 'entry' I did on this topic "Transposition Chart"
you will see, at the bottom, a link to the Chart.
I call it a mail 'cos I am not sure what you call it when you send something in to a thread???
What do you call it Jimmy?


Henry.

[Jimmy Halfnote]

Okay Henry, good man yerself, some kind person has put it on the desktop for me, while i kicked a few fence posts, and whittled a few clothes pegs.
       In answer to your question i call it a thingamabob.
                                                 many thanks                       jh

[henrymouni]

Okay Henry, good man yerself, some kind person has put it on the desktop for me, while i kicked a few fence posts, and whittled a few clothes pegs.
       In answer to your question i call it a thingamabob.
                                                 many thanks                       jh

It must be 'posts' Jimmy.
I notice you have done 418!


Henry.

[landztranz]

Henry, I just tried the link to your chart and I couldn't open it - something about "an error" and "can't open the file," etc. Could you send a copy to my e-mail address as well?

Barry

[henrymouni]

Henry, I just tried the link to your chart and I couldn't open it - something about "an error" and "can't open the file," etc. Could you send a copy to my e-mail address as well?

Barry

No problem Barry!
It is so good I sent it twice!


Henry.

[John Broecker]

Hello, Henry Three Smiles (Henrymouni).

Thanks for the Tramsposition Chart. I saved it on my computer for future use.

I was confused by the line 4 entry of the chart ("reverse?"), until I noticed that each horizontally numbered line represents a hole of the slide chromatic. Then it seeped through my thick skull. The 'Reverse" instruction is the reversal of the blow-draw pattern of the harp's first 3 holes to the draw-blow pattern in hole 4 of the harp.

Since all 3 octaves of a 12- 14- or 16-hole solo system have the same blow-draw to draw-blow pattern, only 1 octave is needed on the chart (5 holes, 5 horizontal lines), and then the pattern repeats in holes 5-9 and 9-12 in most cases.

Jimmy Halfnote:

I often miss SlideMeisters' "attachments" to their posts, forgetting to look for a "link" at the bottom of the message.
When not signed in to SlideMeister, reading as a "guest," the link isn't displayed.

Sign in to SlideMeister Forum

Click "Chromatic Tabs"

Click "Transposition Chart"

At the bottom of Henry's 1st post on this topic (Transposition Chart),

Click "Transposition Chart.pdf".

You'll see the Chart displayed. Store it on your computer for future reference.

I'm sure it will be OK with Henry Three Smiles, "The Librarian."

John Broecker

[henrymouni]

Hello, Henry Three Smiles (Henrymouni).

Thanks for the Tramsposition Chart. I saved it on my computer for future use.

I was confused by the line 4 entry of the chart ("reverse?"), until I noticed that each horizontally numbered line represents a hole of the slide chromatic. Then it seeped through my thick skull. The 'Reverse" instruction is the reversal of the blow-draw pattern of the harp's first 3 holes to the draw-blow pattern in hole 4 of the harp.

Since all 3 octaves of a 12- 14- or 16-hole solo system have the same blow-draw to draw-blow pattern, only 1 octave is needed on the chart (5 holes, 5 horizontal lines), and then the pattern repeats in holes 5-9 and 9-12 in most cases.

Jimmy Halfnote:

I often miss SlideMeisters' "attachments" to their posts, forgetting to look for a "link" at the bottom of the message.
When not signed in to SlideMeister, reading as a "guest," the link isn't displayed.

Sign in to SlideMeister Forum

Click "Chromatic Tabs"

Click "Transposition Chart"

At the bottom of Henry's 1st post on this topic (Transposition Chart),

Click "Transposition Chart.pdf".

You'll see the Chart displayed. Store it on your computer for future reference.

I'm sure it will be OK with Henry Three Smiles, "The Librarian."

John Broecker

Thanks for taking the trouble to set it out, in your usual thorough
but clear way.
I did not realise about the 'guest' bit as I always log on - very good point.
I thought that if I set the chart as harmonica layouts it would be easier to follow.
The instructions I have read on 'how to transpose' are mind boggling.
I am a simple man, as you know John, and a visual chart is easier to follow,
even if you cannot read music- I hope.


Henry.

[Jimmy Halfnote]

 Thanks John ( of the knowledge ) , that was thoughtful, i had 'guest' about the guest thingy, but i often nip in without signing on , during television commercials for example, something comes up , i sign in to reply i haven't got all the bitties , stupid eh , thanks for reminder.
                                                                                                                                           jh

[Grizzly]

Why not just stay signed in permanently? Or is it a matter of charged minutes? (I'm on DSL; the fee is the same every month.)

Tom

[Jimmy Halfnote]

 
 Henry, have been giving your chart a bit of attention last few nights, a bit late coming back to you , sorry, but we have been distracted with other duties , and my feeble brain is hurting , this chart is even better than i thought it might be, i was enjoying myself using it, took a couple of songs i knew well but never satisfied, and tried them in various keys, knowing that i could always find that ' Where the frig is it ' note, the one that does most damage to my harmonicas trying to find .
                          So before we go off for a wee break on Monday, a big thankyou, for the time and effort you put in, i don't think your chart got the credit it deserved. (beware of the music police )
                                                     all the best                     jh.
                                                                                                                                                                 
 

[landztranz]

jh, Henry kindly sent the chart to me offlist and I duly thanked him.

Although I haven't really used it yet, I'm sure it's great - and much appreciated by everyone.

Barry
 

[smojoe]

There's another chart in the archives. Tom Mann did it for me. It shows what key you get when you play any of the current commonly available chromos in any of the 12 natural (and 1 minor) keys. Some may find it enlightening. lol

smo-joe

[henrymouni]

There's another chart in the archives. Tom Mann did it for me. It shows what key you get when you play any of the current commonly available chromos in any of the 12 natural (and 1 minor) keys. Some may find it enlightening. lol

smo-joe

I have used it myself on several occasions Smokey!
I will pluck it from the vaults!!

Thank you.


Henry.

[HJHESQ]

I am very grateful to JP for helping me to upload this file.
I am a computer numpty!!


When I tab the songs I try to pick a key that suits the 12 hole Chromatic,
and matches the playalong.
Sometimes I do it by ear and sometimes with sheet music.
Even if I have the sheet music it is mostly in the wrong key for the playalong so I have to transpose
the music to the required key.
I realise that some keys may be a bit difficult and you may like to play in a more suitable key.
I have created this 'Transposition Chart' so you can change the keys yourself and also see the notes that hide
in each hole.
I suggest you print it out now so you can follow me.

You will see that the chart starts with 'C'.
This is the layout of your 'C' Chromatic.
In hole 4 the notes are reversed on your chromatic.
On your 'C' 4 blow is 'C' and 4 draw is 'B' which is out of sequence.
If you prefer you can tippex and swap them over.
I have put two way arrows to remind you if you leave them.
All the other keys are laid out in the same manner.
If you were to order a Chromatic in any of the other keys that is how they would be tuned in each hole.
How does it work?
Easy Peasy.
If I have tabbed in 'C' and you want to transpose to 'G'=
If the first note is 'E'/2 blow then slide to 'G', which is next door and you see the note is
'B' or 4 draw, on your 'C' Chromatic.
You have just transposed from 'C' to 'G'.
When you start to transpose you will see that some songs/keys sit better than others.
You may wish for a Chromatic with a lower octave.
The beauty of changing keys is you can always find a key that will allow you play lower down the harmonica if you wish to.
Jimmy prefers the Lower chromatics and may prefer to move the tabs higher up the harmonica.
You can experiment with the tabs and it will become clearer.
It is also nice to think of notes as well as numbers.
I have typed this quickly as I have managed to upload the PDF and I cannot remove it,
so rather than leave it blank.......

I will come back and add bits when I have had time to ponder.

If there is ANYTHING that is not clear PLEASE ask.


Henry.

[HJHESQ]

Henry,

As one of the music theory impaired, I have read your detailed posts on transposition and keys over and over but am still missing something.

I guess as a new guy I have some questions that you will doubtless find simple. I am not even sure if they are too obvious to ask.

All I have is a C chromatic. I do not have the ability to play any tab written on a harmonica in another key.

What determines the key that any particular tab is in? Is there a clear rule.

Is a change of key done in order to eliminate or reduce technically difficult passages (slide use and hard notes to hit) or is the key altered in order to musically mesh with the playalong music (or both)?

Is the key determined like the scales that you tabbed where the first note determines the key? (BTW, thanks for the scales because I find them tremendously useful.)

Are pieces in the Key of C necessarily easier to play? You talk about difficult keys. Obviously speed and position/patterns of notes are relevant to difficulty. What else?

If I knew which notes are typically the hardest to play well, it would somewhat reassuring during my practice time. Clearly the notes in the middle of the range are easiest to play. I am not sure if the ones that I do not play particularly well are specific to my weak technique or they are simply hard or harder for almost everyone.

Lastly, what do you recommend as pleasant tabs for someone like me who is starting out?

Thanks for all of your helpful posts,

Howard Herman

[henrymouni]

Henry,

As one of the music theory impaired, I have read your detailed posts on transposition and keys over and over but am still missing something.

I guess as a new guy I have some questions that you will doubtless find simple. I am not even sure if they are too obvious to ask.

All I have is a C chromatic. I do not have the ability to play any tab written on a harmonica in another key.

What determines the key that any particular tab is in? Is there a clear rule.

Is a change of key done in order to eliminate or reduce technically difficult passages (slide use and hard notes to hit) or is the key altered in order to musically mesh with the playalong music (or both)?

Is the key determined like the scales that you tabbed where the first note determines the key? (BTW, thanks for the scales because I find them tremendously useful.)

Are pieces in the Key of C necessarily easier to play? You talk about difficult keys. Obviously speed and position/patterns of notes are relevant to difficulty. What else?

If I knew which notes are typically the hardest to play well, it would somewhat reassuring during my practice time. Clearly the notes in the middle of the range are easiest to play. I am not sure if the ones that I do not play particularly well are specific to my weak technique or they are simply hard or harder for almost everyone.

Lastly, what do you recommend as pleasant tabs for someone like me who is starting out?

Thanks for all of your helpful posts,

Howard Herman

Hi Howard.
  All you need to play the tabs is a chromatic in the key of 'C', so you are fine.
You can play music in any key you like.
If you want to play along you have to play in the same key as the 'playalong'.
I have just done "April Showers" and as Al Jolson is singing in 'Eb', so we have to play in that key.
The 'Transposition chart' allows you to change the key if you are playing without the 'playalong'.
In this case I have also given you a 'playalong' in the key of 'G' which is easier to play.
In theory, the less sharps or flats in a key, the easier it is BUT the speed of the tune can make it difficult in ANY key.
'C' is usually the easiest but not always. With the Chromatic harmonica I am looking for a nice balance between
blow and draw notes.
I was going to tab a tune in 'D', some months ago, but 12 of the first 14 holes were draw notes, and it was better in another key!
There is no hard and fast rule.
I suppose a slow tune in 'C' would be easiest.
If you look through the tabs we have, and play the slow tunes, you should be fine.
I look at as many alternative keys as the 'playalongs' allow, and try to pick the most playable.
The more you play a tune the easier it becomes.
It should be easier without the 'playalong' to start with, as you can go at you own pace.
I suppose the hardest notes would be the low and the high notes, but in time you will play them all without
thinking too much about it.
Also notes that are together, without too many jumps, are easier. In "April Showers" you have to jump from
3 draw slide in to 7 blow, and that can be difficult until your mind gets attuned to the hole locations automatically.
Practice and time and all will fall into place.
Playing your scales every day will get the different key patterns into your mind.
The NUMBER ONE rule is 'ENJOY YOURSELF'!!!



Henry.

[HJHESQ]

Thanks Henry,

That was very helpful. The remaining 2 questions are:

Is there a method or rule regarding how the key of a particular song is established? Whether it is instrumental or vocal, if as in your example it is sung by Jolson in Eb, how was that key determined from the song?

When I listen to a song I have no clue as to what the key of that song is. Is it like the scales where it starts with a particular note? It seems that one would need considerable skill or experience to hear something and know what key it is. I am assuming that people usually work from the music or tab to establish the key.

If I want to play along with a song, how do I determine the key that song is being played in, and what harp (if using a diatonic) or key on the chrome to play in? After the key has been established, I believe that I would use the transposition chart to move from my C chrome to whatever other key to use.

I appreciate your patience in answering my questions.

Howard

[henrymouni]

Thanks Henry,

That was very helpful. The remaining 2 questions are:

Is there a method or rule regarding how the key of a particular song is established? Whether it is instrumental or vocal, if as in your example it is sung by Jolson in Eb, how was that key determined from the song?

When I listen to a song I have no clue as to what the key of that song is. Is it like the scales where it starts with a particular note? It seems that one would need considerable skill or experience to hear something and know what key it is. I am assuming that people usually work from the music or tab to establish the key.

If I want to play along with a song, how do I determine the key that song is being played in, and what harp (if using a diatonic) or key on the chrome to play in? After the key has been established, I believe that I would use the transposition chart to move from my C chrome to whatever other key to use.

I appreciate your patience in answering my questions.

Howard

Hi Howard.
There are some people who can tell just by listening to the music I think??
Again it is a time/experience thing which you cannot short cut.
It is strange that while the keys sound the same to you, if you play a song in a different key
to your backing music,it sounds like a completely different song!
What I do is play a few lines of the song in 'C', by ear.
(If I have the music in any key, that becomes my comparison).
I then play the 'playalong' and when I hit a correct note I compare it with the 'C',
and find it on the 'Transposition chart'.
In other words if the note in 'C' is a 'G', and the note when I played along is 'F' I look at the 'C' column
where the 'G' is (3 blow in this case) and follow the line along and till I find the 'F' note.
The 'F' note is in the 'Bb' column, so the music is in 'Bb'.
The more I do it the quicker I have become at finding the key.
Sometimes I get it without need of the above.
I also own solo tuned 'diatonics' in most keys, and I used to line them up and play along with each,
(in the key of 'C') until I found the right one.!
That used to take ages!!
Now I can usually find the key in a minute or two at the most.


Henry.

[HJHESQ]

Thanks again, Henry.

Love all of your tabs. Lots to choose from.

I had found a tab months ago on another site for Antonio Jobim's Corcovado. It was slow paced and pretty simple. The notes were mostly closely spaced. I have started using it as a first song to learn. Before then it was just scales and practicing technique.

Corcovado has the extra advantage of being a song that I really like. I have already started looking at your posts for other comparably simple songs to expand my repertoire after I get Corcovado right. I can see how the difficulty of play of a song may contribute to a feeling of achievement once you have learned it, but I derive plenty of enjoyment from the music without any need for difficulty.

Besides, I am not that good yet. My mantra is K.I.S.S.

Howard

[henrymouni]

I have just done a Transposition Chart for Natural Minor KEYS.


Henry.

[henrymouni]

Move to the top of the page.

[wolfman]

  Nice job on the charts  :)Hnry

     Good day

[henrymouni]

  Nice job on the charts   :)Hnry

     Good day

Thank you Roman!

Have you ever seen a UFO?



Henry.

[Doug P]

Thank you Henry,
This is precisely why I joined the forum community recently.  I am an ear player, and decided to dust off my old Hohner 270 and learn the other keys.  It helps to see the layout as a relationship, even though I don't read as I play.  My mouth's "memory muscles" are getting a workout, and I stumble a lot because I'm not always sure when I push the slide either blowing or drawing whether I' ll get the note that's in my head, especially because of the built in redundant"Cs" which change the air direction.  I know it takes hundreds of times playing each scale, as well as taking familiar tunes through their key paces.  If you have any other "ear player hints" for getting more key fluency I would love to hear them.  Doug P (from the woodshed)