whistlin' the blues

tin tin · Post by **tin tin** » Sun Nov 10, 2002 1:52 pm

I was just looking at some back threads dealing with blues whistle, and I have an additional question regarding this subject:
I know that blues harmonica players use a harp in a key other than the one they're playing in. In my limited dabblings I've noticed that the D whistle does a nice job for E blues, since it allows me to play the pentatonic blues scale. Is this standard practice for blues whistle (if there is such a thing as standard practice for blues whistle)? Also, what would you consider the, say, 3 essential whistles (keys, not brands) to own for blues whistling?
Micah

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Sun Nov 10, 2002 7:49 pm

Micah -

Check your private messages.

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Sun Nov 10, 2002 9:41 pm

I guess there isn't standard
practice, yet. The whistles
I use most are D, A,
and Bb. We're breakin
new ground here, guy!

Sandy Jasper · Post by **Sandy Jasper** » Sun Nov 10, 2002 9:48 pm

Playing the Blues on the whistle is one of my favorite things. I generally just use my D whistle to play the Blues in E. I really enjoy this as I used to play sax in an R&B band and it brings back old times.

Enjoy the experimenting!

Sandy

Wombat · Post by **Wombat** » Sun Nov 10, 2002 10:12 pm

I've found two useful blues keys per whistle—the five hole start you mention and the two hole start. That's E and A on a D whistle. There's a difficulty in principle which makes blues playing a challenge. The minor pentatonic blues scale is easily accessible in both those keys. Now the choices begin. Some blues players make a lot of use of the major pentatonic scale, blending it with the minor. That means you'd want the major 2nd, 3rd and 6th as well as the notes you already have. The two hole start might be best for tunes that require major pentatonic stuff. Finally, a sophisticated blues player will make use of the flattened 5th as well. This is easier to get with a five hole start.

Don't worry if the blue notes—flattened seventh, third and fifth—aren't bang in tune; it just adds to the bluesiness if they aren't. It isn't helpful to think about cross-harp techniques in relation to the whistle—cross harp works largely because notes can be bent down a full semitone with ease. This can't be done with the same facility on whistle. Of course, smears can be accomplished all over the place and you will soon figure out what sounds good.

As far as keys go, it depends on who you plan to play with. Accoustic guitarists often favour A and E, so a D whistle is fine. Horn players like Bb, F and Eb which would make an Eb whistle handy and possibly and Ab. (You can work out which other ones would be appropriate.) G and D are other popular keys. F and G whistles would also be good choices. Often the choice is determined by what's comfortable for a singer.

I hope this helps.

[ This Message was edited by: Wombat on 2002-11-10 23:15 ]

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:33 am

Please, tell what is the pentatonic blues scale ?
I guess from this thread it can't go simply
DEGAB(D), so...

Easily_Deluded_Fool · Post by **Easily_Deluded_Fool** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:30 am

Pantatonic blues scales
D
D - F - G - Ab - A - C - D

G
G - Bb - C - Db - D - F - G

C
C - Eb - F - Gb - G - Bb - C

A
A - C - D - Eb - E - G - A

Eb
Eb - Gb - Ab - A - Bb - Db - Eb

Bb
Bb - Db - Eb - E - F - Ab - Bb

F
F - Ab - Bb - B - C - Eb - F

HTH
______________
No whistles were harmed in the transmission of this communication.

[ This Message was edited by: Easily_Deluded_Fool on 2002-11-12 03:31 ]

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:26 am

Thanks so much.

I may be a heavy fool but why is it called pentatonic, when it seems hexatonic ?

_________________
BbZH

[ This Message was edited by: Zubivka on 2002-11-12 04:28 ]

OutOfBreath · Post by **OutOfBreath** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 7:59 am

On 2002-11-12 04:26, Zubivka wrote:
Thanks so much.

I may be a heavy fool but why is it called pentatonic, when it seems hexatonic ?
_________________
BbZH

[ This Message was edited by: Zubivka on 2002-11-12 04:28 ]

Actually, most folks I know don't call it the pentatonic blues scale, just the blues scale. Some of the confusion is probably because the blues scale is basically a minor pentatonic with an added diminished fifth. Of course there are other "blues" scales, too. But that's probably the most common.

John

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 8:35 am

On 2002-11-12 08:59, OutOfBreath wrote:
Actually, most folks I know don't call it the pentatonic blues scale, just the blues scale. Some of the confusion is probably because the blues scale is basically a minor pentatonic with an added diminished fifth. Of course there are other "blues" scales, too. But that's probably the most common.

Thanks!
This is really interesting! Like adding a tone, sensitive both ways, in the middle of the scale.

What other scales would be refered to as Blues ?

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 11:53 am

My baby got run over by a steamroller,
She don't come round my bed no mo..
My baby got run over by a steamroller,
She don't come round my bed no mo...
When I try to put my arms around her
She slithers out under the door...

Break---

Used to be when I'd look at you, baby,
I'd get feelings like a beast!
Now when you wrap yourself around me
You go round twenty-seven times at least.
Woo Woo..
Baby, why didn't you watch that roller ride?
You know I keep tryin to talk it over
But your face is always somewhere
round the other side.

Took my baby down to the service station
I tried to pump her up with air.
Took my baby down to the service station,
Great God I tried to pump her up with air!
Now she looks like a whitewall tire,
With long red silky hair...

Whistle, whistle, fading out...

MikeClem · Post by **MikeClem** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:26 pm

Jim,

If you're going to do that, you'll need a proper blues name like Blind Lemon Jefferson.
Blues names are constructed as follows:
1. Physical infirmity
2. Name of a fruit
3. Last name of a president

Mike
(aka Reflux Apricot Nixon)

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:36 pm

Geriatric Jackfruit Jimmy!
Da hunny drippin geezer...

Thanks for the blues scales!

Since my baby got run over by a steamroller,
I don't know what to say.
Since my baby got run over by a steamroller,
Lord I donno what to say.
Guess I can use her for a blanket in
the evening,
Sure make a fine bookmark by day!

...heartbreakingly beautiful
blues whistle solo, fading out...

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:49 pm

______
Bbig Bbill Bbroonzy

[ This Message was edited by: Zubivka on 2002-11-12 16:50 ]

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 4:46 pm

On 2002-11-12 09:35, Zubivka wrote:
On 2002-11-12 08:59, OutOfBreath wrote:

....Of course there are other "blues" scales, too. But that's probably the most common.
....What other scales would be refered to as Blues ?

I believe this question hasn't been answered yet, OOB...I'd be interested in the answer myself. Thanks!