Fourth Position
As you learnt in the previous lesson, the use of third position enables you to play in minor keys. By using fourth position, it is possible to play in another minor key. On the C harmonica, fourth position can be used to play in the key of A minor. The key note for fourth position can be found at holes 6 and 10 (an A note). As with any new position, it is important to memorize where these notes are as soon as possible. A good way to begin learning fourth position is to memorize the A natural minor scale, which is shown below.
It is also possible to play a lower octave of this scale by starting with hole 5 as a bent note. By using this note, it is possible to play two octaves of the natural minor scale as demonstrated in this example.
Once you are comfortable with the notes of the scale, try playing some sequences with it, as shown here. It is also recommended that you adapt all of the other sequences you learnt with the C major scale by moving the starting note down from C to A.
Here are some melodies which are derived from the natural minor scale.
