Harmonica Key Change Chart
When playing harmonica, the position specifies the "where" (which hole) and "how" (blow, draw, bend, or overbend) of the root note in the scale being played.
First position, also called "straight" harp is the natural key of the harmonica. If you play the harmonica in the key that it is labeled, you are playing straight harp. The first position starts and resolves on the Hole 4 Blow. This is useful for simple melodies and a folk-rock style.
Second position, or "cross" harp, is what you typically hear in recorded harmonica. Cross harp basically means that the harmonica used is not in the same key as the song. In second position, the draw chord becomes the song key instead of the blow chord. Second position starts and resolves on the Hole 2 Draw, and uses a scale a 5th higher than the natural key of the harmonica. Second position is the most commonly used harmonica position for blues, country, and rock music.
Third position, sometimes called "slant harp" or "double-crossed," is the scale starting another 5th up from second position. Third position starts and resolves on the Hole 4 Draw. This is great for songs in minor keys and minor blues.
