How does that help me to consider all my harmonicas in key of C (in my mind)?
When I play C note on C harp it’s blow 4 but when I take G harp (let’s say song is in G) and need to play C note it’s rather -2’’ or -5… I am bit confused whether there is some pattern on this 
Hey! PaperCurly! That’s a great post - very erudite and softly propounded. Thank you.
You have given a very interesting perspective - especially about the mental aspect of learning and playing an instrument.
.
You mention it from the perspective of “development of neural networks” inter alia.
As our different countries’ populations gain greater life expectancy, we are beginning to realise - with increases in health and medical technology - that by escaping death from more and more preventable illnesses - there’s only a few left to die from! And the main ones appears to be Neurodegenerative disorders.
And our only (alleged!) protection is to ensure our brain use is maintained! And from much research here in the UK playing and learning an instrument is often mentioned - as you have.
However - if you’ve played an instrument for most of your life - then the benefit is much reduced - it has to be a new activity in older times; one that really stretches your learning capacity - which apparently affects the process of Amyloid accumulation - which at the moment appears to be the mechanism under much suspicion!
Anyway thanks for your post - from such a faraway land!
And you’ve taught me a new word that I was unaware of - respect bro’! Alterity - very interesting - and thanks again.
Just keep on with your erudition and wisdom. It really is appreciated.
1 Like
Thank You for the compliment @CharlieCharlieSucker. Learning a new language in retirement is also recommended to keep the brain neurons firing. I don’t have anyone to speak with in a foreign language, so I chose harmonica. I had not heard of amyloid accumulation but will look into that.
However, I’m getting off subject from the thread. For younger people, I say follow Luke’s advice and do some theory, you will become a better player, I’m sure. When you’re my age you can worry about developing new neural pathways, (and the location of public toilets on your road trips)
Knowing notes allows you to talk to other people about what you are doing. It lets you read music, write music, and allows you to benefit from collective about music.
Starting with a C harp is easiest, and you can stop there if you want. Other people go ahead and learn the note names on all 12 keys.
But if you don’t learn notes, you run into challenges communicating with others what you are doing.
1 Like
I like the quote responding to someone saying “I don’t wanna learn theory because it’s gonna mess up my feel”
If a little music theory messes up your feel, your feel must not have been that great to start with.
Luke
I don’t like to go through all the books, ets. but I cannot see how a person could be a complete player without a good level of knowledge. Right now I am getting the single note aspect down as I have never heard a good harp player that did not have this skill. As far as music knowledge I cannot see how to get to a higher level without a decent understanding of theory. I think I have the position issue now but as much as I dislike studying/ reading about theory I know a certain level of knowledge is essential. I loved flying but theory was it not much fun learning but I would have never completed the journey without it. I have determined playing music is in no way any different as much as I dislike trying to get the theory down. Its evil I/M/O but a necessary one. Its a link I now know I need in my chain. You are not the only nerd as if I told you all my hobbies you would think there are at least two people in one body. See you in San Antonio.
1 Like
Hey @scott4 I can’t remember if you’re doing Beginner to Boss? If so, the Music Theory Appendix would be a great help (without having to read a book.) If not, you could just look up Music Theory on YouTube and watch a couple vids every once in awhile. I heard Rick Beato’s vids on the subject are pretty good?
1 Like