Kniri 221 Alternate Tunings
Update: 11.01.2025
I don't sell harmonicas and accordions, but I would like to make my ideas available to anyone who is interested !
I've been looking for alternate tunings for harmonicas for over 20 years. Then I tried out my ideas.
The SEYDEL company made the specially tuned harmonicas for me.
I published the ideas on facebook and harmonica forums. You can also watch my videos on YouTube.
My most commonly used tuning for playing in one key :
I slightly changed the spiral tuning to improvise on jazz standards like All Of Me, On The Sunnyside Of The Street, Lady Be Good etc.
"CIRCULAR BLUES" Tuning (System Kniri Knaus)
lower half -circular- and upper half -Kniri 221-
for playing in 2 1/2 octaves.
Hole 9 blow and hole 7 draw = 1 semitone lower than Basic Circular/Spiral Tuning.
"CIRCULAR BLUES" in C
C..Em7..G7..B'dim..Dm7..F7..Adim..Cm
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw
Db Ab Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
Dm7..F..Am7..C7..Edim..Gm7..Bb..Dm
"CIRCULAR / SPIRAL" in C
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/B'D/F/A draw
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I was looking for an easier way to play the Blues with the common three chords (C, F and G7 in the key of C)
After playing around for some time I invented (2001) a continuous scale for diatonic instruments."Kniri 221"
The "diatonic-cyclic" tone arrangement makes it possible to play identical melodies in several major and minor keys.
On a 10 hole harmonica, this allows to play 5 different mixolydian major scales and 5 different natural minor (aeolian) scales,
which are related/similar to the circle of 4ths (and 5ths)
The tones have a regular spacing: 221221221221etc. 2=whole tone, 1=semitone
The nice thing about this is if you blow or draw any four notes right next to then it will always result in a flat7th-chord major,
diminished or minor, depending where you are.
This makes it very easy if you want to use the instrument to accompany someone and for improvisation.
B* = H deutsch, Bb = B deutsch
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow , 8 chords- G7, Bdim, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw , 8 chords- Am7, C7, Edim, Gm7, Bb7,Ddim, Fm7, Ab
Ab Eb, Gb Db, E B*,D bendings
Kniri 221 (cyclic scale in the circle of 4ths)
2212212212212212212---steps
G,A,B*,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb---scale
5 mixolydian major chords/scales and
5 natural minor (aeolian) chords/scales:
Kniri 221 Tuning
G7 F7 Eb7
Dm7 Cm7
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C/E/G/ Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Am7 Gm7 Fm7
C7 Bb7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cor-k6_18jc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6xxHNpiE0 Demo in Cm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnB2pLieLoQ Demo in Eb
KNIRI 221 (G) BASIC
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow, chords- G7, Bdim, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw, chords- Am7, C7, Edim, Gm7, Bb7,Ddim, Fm7, Ab
KNIRI 221 (A)
A/C#/E/G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb
B*/D/F#/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F
KNIRI 221 (F)
F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F/Ab/B*
G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/Gb/Bb/Db
KNIRI 221 (D)
D/F#/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab
E/G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb
KNIRI 221 (E)
E/G#/B*/D/F#/A/C/E/G/Bb
F#/A/C#/E/G/B*/D/F/A/C
Kniri 221 Alternate Tuning
Layout Kniri 221 in G
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow: Harmonica / pull: Accordion !
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C /E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw: Harmonica / push: Accordion !
B* = H deutsch, Bb = B deutsch
The "diatonic-cyclic" tone arrangement "Kniri 221" makes it possible to play identical melodies
in several major and minor keys
(5 mixolydian and 5 natural minor (aeolian) scales) over an octave on the same instrument.
In a scale consisting of 20 tones, the 5 minor and 5 major scales over 1 octave each and 16 triads
in the circle of fifths/fourths are related to each other.
Always 3 tones next to each other result in a triad, alternating minor, major and diminished etc.
The chords fit together (tonic, subdominant, dominant = in C major: C, F and G7).
The tones have a regular spacing: 221221221221etc. 2=whole tone, 1=semitone
There are bluenotes: minor third and minor seventh (in C major Eb and Bb.)
This arrangement of notes is therefore ideal for playing in the blues scheme.
Cyclic Scale "221" in the circle of 4ths (Kniri Knaus)
regular steps : 221221221221221221221... .. steps: 2= wholetone 1=halftone
G,A,B*,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb,F,Gb,Ab,Bb
,B*,Db,Eb,E,Gb,Ab,A,B*,C#,D,E,F#,G
Beispiel: from G to G = 6 octaves, all 12 keys, 36 tones !!!!!! (like a spiral)
Kniri 221 Harmonica
Exemple: from low tone G to high tone Eb blow-draw-blow-draw......etc
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db Harmonica blow (Accordion pull)
A/C /E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb Harmonica draw (Accordion push)
B* englisch = H deutsch !
total 16 triads (in the circle of 4ths and 5ths )
G,C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab-Dur A,D,G,C,F-Moll B*,E,A,D,G dim (G7,C7,F7,Bb7,Eb7 )
14 four-tone chords are also possible:
blow: G,B*,D,F----B*,D,F,A----D,F,A,C----F,A,C,Eb----A,C,Eb,G----C,Eb,G,Bb---Eb,G,Bb,Db
draw: A,C,E,G---C,E,G, Bb---,E,G,Bb,D---G,Bb,D,F---Bb,D,F,Ab---D,F,Ab,C---F,Ab,C,Eb
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Exemples:
Alternate tuned Accordions (Cajun Accordion/Melodeon)
Blues in C
B*englisch = H deutsch, Bb englisch = B deutsch
2212212212212212212---pitches, steps
Layout:
A C E G Bb D F Ab C Eb - push
G B* D F A C Eb G Bb Db - pull
1221221221221221221---pitches, steps
Layout:
G B* D F A C Eb G Bb Db- push
F# A C E G Bb D F Ab C - pull
2122122122122122122---pitches, steps
Layout:
E G Bb D F Ab C Eb Gb Bb- push
D F A C Eb G Bb Db F Ab - pull
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Tunings for diatonic instruments, harmonicas and cajun accordions
Richter-Tuning (Standard-Tuning) in F (par exemple)
blow F A C F A C F A C F
draw G C E G Bb D E G Bb D
Kniri 221-Tuning 10 holes ( G, Am, C, Dm, F, Gm, Bb, Cm, Eb, Fm, Ab)
blow G B* D F A C Eb G Bb Db
draw A C E G Bb D F Ab C Eb
same scale, Richter: C E F G A Bb C D
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b blow harmonica / pull accordion
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b draw harmonica / push accordion
Kniri 221-Tuning 6 holes (SEYDEL BIG SIX) ( C, Dm, F, Gm , Bb)
blow B* D F A C Eb
draw C E G Bb D F
same scale, Richter: C E F G A Bb C D
Kniri 221-Tuning 12 holes ( D, Em, G, Am, C, Dm, F, Gm, Bb, Cm, Eb, Fm, Ab)
blow C# E G B* D F A C Eb G Bb Db
draw D F# A C E G Bb D F Ab C Eb
same scale, Richter: C E F G A Bb C D
G A B* C D E F G A Bb C D Eb F G Ab Bb C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7b 1 2 3b 4 5 6b 7b 1 2b 3b 4
C D E F G A Bb C D Eb F G Ab Bb C Db Eb F
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Special Kniri 221-Tuning 12 holes ( C, Em, D, G, Am, C, Dm, F, Gm, Bb, Cm, Eb, F, Gm)
blow C E G B* D F A C Eb G Bb D
draw D F# A C E G Bb D F A C Eb
same scale, Richter: C E F G A Bb C D
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri 221 221221221221.... B* englisch = H deutsch
G / B* / D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db blow harmonica / pull Accordion
A / C / E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C / Eb draw harmonica / push Accordion
C / E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C / Eb / Gb
D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db / F / Ab
-------------------------------------------
Variante 212 212212212212......
A / C / E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C / Eb
B* / D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db / F
D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db / F / Ab
E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C / Eb / Gb / Bb
--------------------------------------------
Variante 122 122122122122.....
B* / D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db / F
C / E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C / Eb / Gb
F# /A / C / E / G / Bb / D / F / Ab / C
G / B* / D / F / A / C / Eb / G / Bb / Db
------------------------------------------------------------------
further ideas :
Variante
"JAZZY BLUES" Tuning (Kniri Knaus)
Exemple for playing in C-major
(note 10 blow and note 8 draw = 1 semitone higher than by Kniri 221)
G7..Dm7..F7..Cm7..Eb..Gm chords and scales
G/B/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/D blow
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb draw
Am7..C7..Gm7..Bb7..Dm..F7 chords and scales
"Bluesy" Tuning Kniri 221+
This tone arrangement is suitable for bluesy, jazzy pieces.
Mixolydian major and natural minor scales can be played over 2 octaves.
The tones are logically arranged so that 6 chords in the circle of fifths, suitable for blues, can be played.
For a 10-hole harmonica in C, these are C7, F6, F7, Dm7, Gm7 and Bb. The note C is blown and drawn the same.
"Bluesy" Tuning Kniri 221+ Demo Youtube Blues in Bb
C/D/F/A/C/D/F/A/C/Eb blow chord- Dm7-F6-F7
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw chord- C7-Gm7-Bb
Eb,Gb Eb,Gb Db,E bendings
scale: C,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F
C-D-F-A-C'-D'-F'-A'-C''-Eb''---- blow
1-2-4-6-1'-2'-4'-6'-1''-3b''
C-E-G-Bb-C'-E'-G'-Bb'-D''-F''-----draw
1-3-5-7b-1'-3'-5'-7b'-2''-4''
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Kniri 221" in G Kniri 221 Tuning Demo
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow G7, Dm7, F7, Cm7, Eb7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C /E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw Am7, C7, Gm7, Bb7, Fm7, Ab
----------------------------------------------------------------
"Richter" Tuning (Standard Tuning) for comparison
F/A/C/F/A/C/F/A/C/F blow F...................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D draw C..........C7, Gm , Gm6
Gb,B*,Eb,Gb---Db -------- bendings
"Richter-Kniri" Tuning
Demo Youtube Blues in C
This tone arrangement is a combination
from "Richter" and "Kniri 221"
F/A/C/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
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MIXO-KNIRI Tuning (C)
mixolydian blues scale bluenotes: Eb+Gb bendings Bb draw Eb blow
A/D/F/A/C/D/F/A/C/Eb blow , chords- Dm7-F6-F7-Adim
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw , chords- C7-Edim-Gm7-Bb
B*Eb,Gb Eb,Gb Db,E bendings
scale: A,C,D,Eb,E,F,Gb,G,A,Bb,C,C,D,Eb,E,F,Gb,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F
https://www.facebook.com/reel/361721436348304
Mixolydian major scales (C7 + F7) and natural minor scales (Am7 + Dm7)
can be played over 2 octaves.
Scale: A,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F
A-D-F-A-C'-D'-F'-A'-C''-Eb''---- blow
6-2-4-6-1'-2'-4'-6'-1''-3b''
C-E-G-Bb-C'-E'-G'-Bb'-D''-F''-----draw
1-3-5-7b-1'-3'-5'-7b'-2''-4''
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri 221 (basic) Tuning in (G)
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow , chords- G7, Bdim, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw , chords- Am7, C7, Edim, Gm7, Bb7, Ddim, Fm7, Ab
Ab, Eb,Gb Db ,E B*, D bendings
221.221.221.221.221.221.2---steps
G,A,B*,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb---scale
VARIANTE
KNIRI-EXTRA Tuning in Gm (hole 2 blow and 3 draw= 1 semitone lower than Kniri 221)
G/Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow , chords- Gm7, Bb, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A/C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw , chords- Adim, Cm7, Eb, Gm7, Bb7, Ddim, Fm7, Ab
Ab,B* Gb Db ,E B*, D bendings
212.212.221.221.221.221.2---steps
G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb---scale
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIANTE
Kniri Special 221 Tuning Bb
Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F blow , chords- Bb, Dm7, F7, A-dim , Cm7, Eb7, G-dim, Bbm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/G draw , chords- C7, E-dim, Gm7, Bb7, D-dim, Fm7, Ab, Cm
Bb,C,D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb,F,G ---scale
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIANTE
Circular Blues Tuning Bb (hole 2 draw = 1 semitone lower than Kniri Special 221)
Kniri Knaus
Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F blow , chords- Bb,Dm7, F7, A-dim , Cm7, Eb7, G-dim, Bbm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/G draw , chords- Cm7, Eb , Gm7, Bb7, D-dim. Fm7, Ab, Cm
Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,Ab,Bb,C,Db,Eb,F,G ---scale
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CIRCULAR BLUES (Tuning C) (Kniri Knaus)
C,Em,G,Bdim,Dm,F,Adim,Cm : chords blow
C E G B D F A C Eb G : BLOW
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 : HOLES
D F A C E G Bb D F A : DRAW
Eb Gb : bendings
Dm,F,Am,C,Edim,Gm,Bb,Dm : chords draw
C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C,D,Eb,E,F,Gb,G,A,Bb,C,D,Eb,F,G,A : SCALE
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"RICHTER" in F Standard !
F/A/C/F/A/C/F/A/C/F blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D draw
Gb,B',Eb,Gb Db bendings
"KNIRI 221" in G (B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b blow
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b draw
-------------------------------------------------------
"SPIRAL/CIRCULAR" in G (Basic)
(B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G/B'/D blow
A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E draw
Ab Eb,Gb,Bb,Db Ab Eb bendings
"KNIRI 221" in G
(B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b blow
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b draw
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diminshed Tuning
Octatonic whole-half scale 2121.2121.2121.......
2121.......
BLOW C Eb Gb A C Eb Gb A C Eb
DRAW D F Ab B D F Ab B D F
BEND Db E G Bb Db E G Bb Db E
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat Missin, Alternate Tuning List
6.8 - KNIRI TUNING 221 (Kniri Knaus)
BLOW C E G Bb D F Ab C Eb Gb
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRAW D F A C Eb G Bb Db F Ab
6.8a - KNIRI TUNING 1222 (Kniri Knaus)
BLOW C Eb G Bb D F A C E G
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRAW Db F Ab C Eb G Bb D F A
6.8c - KNIRI TUNING 222 (Kniri Knaus)
BLOW C Eb G Bb Db F Ab B Eb Gb
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRAW D F A C Eb G Bb Db F Ab
6.8d - SPIRAL BLUES (Kniri Knaus - not actually a Spiral Tuning)
BLOW C E G Bb C E G Bb C EH
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRAW Eb Gb Ab C Eb Gb Ab C Eb Gb
6.8e - SPIRAL BLUES ALT (Kniri Knaus - also not actually a Spiral Tuning)
BLOW C Eb Gb Ab C Eb Gb Ab C Eb
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRAW C E G Bb C E G Bb C E
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Links:
Scale Finder Seydel Harp Congfigurator
Pat Missin, Alternate Tuning List
Harmonica-Spiral-Tuning-Kniri-221
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further ideas :
"Kniri 1122..." steps 1122.1122.1122........6.Modus
For 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica
Scale......C/Db/D/E/Gb/G/Ab/Bb/C/Db/D/E/Gb/G/Ab/Bb/C/Db/D/E.......
8-Tone Scale Messian Mode 6 "1495" Ian Ring.
blow: C D Gb Ab C D Gb Ab C D
hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
draw: Db E G Bb Db E G Bb Db E
bend: Eb, A, Eb, A, Eb.
missing notes: F and B
D7 D b5 Ab7 Ab b5
Chords blow: C D Gb----D Gb Ab----Gb Ab C----Ab C D
Chords draw: Db E G----E G Bb-----G Bb Db-----Bb Db E
Db dim E dim G dim Bb dim
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Kniri 2211..." steps 2211.2211.2211.......(6.Modus)
For 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica
Scale......C/D/E/F/Gb/Ab/Bb/B/C/D/E/F/Gb/Ab/Bb/B/C/D/E/F........
Messian Mode 6 Inverse 3445 Ian Ring
blow: C E Gb Bb C E Gb Bb C E
hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
draw: D F Ab B D F Ab B D F
bend: Db, G, Db G, Db
missing notes: Eb and A
C b5 Gb7 Gb b5 C 7
Chords blow: C E Gb----E Gb Bb----Gb Bb C----Bb C E
Chords draw: D F Ab----F Ab B------Ab B D----B D F
D dim F dim Ab dim B dim
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Kniri 2112..." steps 2112.2112.2112......(6.Modus)
For 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica.
Scale ..... C/D/Eb/E/Gb/Ab/A/Bb/C/D/Eb/E/Gb/Ab/A/Bb/C/D/Eb/E.....
Saptyllic 1885 Ian Ring
blow: C Eb Gb A C Eb Gb A C Eb
hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
draw: D E Ab Bb D E Ab Bb D E
bend: Db, G, Db, G, Db
missing notes : F and B
C dim Eb dim Gb dim A dim
Chords blow: C Eb Gb----Eb Gb A----Gb A C----A C Eb
Chords draw: D E Ab----E Ab Bb----Ab Bb D---Bb D E
E7 E b5 Bb7 Bb b5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Kniri 1221..." steps 1221.1221.1221.......(6.Modus)
For 10-Hole Diatonic Harmonica.
Scale ..... C/Db/Eb/F/Gb/G/A/B/C/Db/Eb/F/Gb/G/A/B/C/Db/Eb/F.....
Van Der Horst Octatonic 2795 Ian Ring
blow: C Eb Gb A C Eb Gb A C Eb
hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
draw: Db F G B Db F G B Db F
bend: E, Bb, E, Bb, E
missing notes: D and Ab
C dim Eb dim Gb dim A dim
Chords blow: C Eb Gb----Eb Gb A----Gb A C----A C Eb
Chords draw: Db F G-----F G B-----G B Db-----B Db F
Db b5 G7 G b5 Db7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spiral Tuning "Kniri 211" steps 211.211.211.........3.Modus
Scale: C D Eb E Gb G Ab Bb B C D Eb E Gb G Ab Bb B C D
Nine Tone Scale Messian Mode 3 Inverse "3549" Ian Ring
Layout
Blow: C Eb Gb Ab B D E G Bb C
Holes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Draw: D E G Bb C Eb Gb Ab B D
Bend: Db-- --A---- -F------------- -Db
Chords
Blow: C Eb Gb Ab B D E G Bb C.......C dim/Ab7
Blow: C Eb Gb Ab B D E G Bb C.......Ab dim/E7
Blow: C Eb Gb Ab B D E G Bb C........Edim/C7
Chords
Draw: D E G Bb C Eb Gb Ab B D........Edim/C7
Draw: D E G Bb C Eb Gb Ab B D........C dim/Ab7
Draw: D E G Bb C Eb Gb Ab B D........Ab dim/E7
3. Mode
The third mode is based on the major third division of the octave
and divides the major third, the nucleus of the mode, into a whole tone
and two semitones; it can be transposed four times.
In the language used here by Olivier Messiaen
The shape starting from C with the whole tone step already applies
as the 1st transposition. In numerical form, this mode looks like this:
211211211 and has two reversals (112112112 and 121121121)
Spiral Tuning "Kniri 121" steps 121.121.121.....(3.Modus)
9-Tone Scale: C Db Eb E F G Ab A B C Dd Eb E F G Ab A B C Db
Ian Ring.Scale 3003 Genus Chromaticum
Layout
Blow: C Eb F Ab B Db E G A C
Holes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Draw: Db E G A C Eb F Ab B Db
Bend: Gb, D, Bb
Chords
Blow: C Eb F Ab B Db E G A C....Db7/Fdim
Blow: C Eb F Ab B Db E G A C....A7/Dbdim
Blow: C Eb F Ab B Db E G A C....F7/(Adim)
Draw: Db E G A C Eb F Ab B Db....A7/Dbdim
Draw: Db E G A C Eb F Ab B Db....F7/Adim
Draw: Db E G A C Eb F Ab B Db....Db7/Fdim
Spiral Tuning "Kniri 112" steps 112.112.112.....(3.Modus)
9-Tone Scale: C Db D E F Gb Ab A Bb C Db D E F Gb Ab A Bb C Db D E F Gb
Ian Ring.Scale 1911 Messian Mode 3
Layout
Blow: C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb A C D F
Holes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Draw: Db E Gb A C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb
Bend: Eb, B, G, Eb
Chords
Blow: C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb A C D F.......Ddim/Bb7
Blow: C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb A C D F.......Bbdim/Gb7
Blow: C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb A C D F...... Gbdim/D7
Draw: Db E Gb A C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb...Gbdim/D7
Draw: Db E Gb A C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb....Ddim/Bb7
Draw: Db E Gb A C D F Ab Bb Db E Gb....Bbdim/Gb7
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-Tone Tuning 1981 Kniri Knaus 03.11.2019
Scale: F, G Ab A Bb C C D Eb E F G Ab A Bb C C D Eb E
Nine Tone Scale 1981 "Houseini" Ian Ring
Symmetric Steps: 2 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 1
Blow: F Ab Bb C Eb F Ab Bb C Eb (Fm11, Ab6/9, Bb9sus4, Cm7#5)
Draw: G A C D E G A C D E (Am11, C6/9, C add2,6, D9sus4)
Bend: Gb----B Db----Gb-----B Db
(with bendings full chromatic !)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blues Scale II Tuning (A) = Bb6-Bebop
Blow: Bb D F G Bb D F G Bb D (Bb6 , Gm7)
Hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Draw: C Eb Gb A C Eb Gb A C Eb (C/Eb/Gb/A dim7)
Bend: B Ab, B Ab,B
8-Tone Blues Scale II Ian Ring
Bb, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb,
Symmetric Steps 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1
Blues Scale II Tuning (B)
Blow: C Eb Gb A C Eb Gb A C Eb (C/Eb/Gb/A dim7)
Hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Draw: D F G Bb D F G Bb D F (Bb6 , Gm7)
Bend: Db,E Db,E Db,E
8-Tone Blues Scale II Ian Ring
C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F
Symmetric Steps 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2
Major Bebop Tuning = C6-Bebop
Blow: C E G A C E G A C E (C6, Am7)
Hole: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Draw: D F Ab B D F Ab B D F (D/F/Ab/B dim7)
Bend: Db, Bb,Db Bb,Db
8-Tone Major Bebop Scale 2997 Ian Ring
C, D, E, F, G, Ab, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Ab, A, B, C, D, E, F
Symmetric Steps 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
More ideas for diatonic harmonicas !
"Easy Blues" Tuning 19.11.2019 Kniri
Richter Richter Kniri
A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A/C/Eb blow (F-F7)
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw (C-C7-Gm7-Bb)
B,Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb Db,E bendings
-------------------------------------------------------
"Simply Blues" Tuning 23.11.2019 Kniri
F/A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A/C blow (F)
G/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D draw (C7-Gm)
Gb,B,Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb Db bendings
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"3 Times Blues" Tuning "Lucky13" 26.11.2019 Kniri
Richter Richter Richter
F/A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A blow (F)
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13
G/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb draw (C7)
Gb,B,Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb bendings
"3 Times Blues" 12 Hole Tuning 19.11.2019 Kniri
3 Times Richter 2-5
Richter Richter Richter
A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A blow (F)
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb draw (C7)
B,Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb bendings
------------------------------------------------------
"Richter-Kniri" 12 Hole Tuning 22.12.2024 Kniri
Richter Kniri 221
F/A/C/F/A/C/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow (F-F6-Dm7-F7-Cm)
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12
G/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw (C-C7-Gm7-Bb-Dm)
Gb,B,Eb,Gb Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
"Easy Blues" 12 Hole Tuning 22.12.2024 Kniri
2 Times Richter 2-5 + Kniri 221
Richter Richter Kniri 221
F/A/C/F/A/A/C/F/A/C/Eb/G blow (F-F7, Cm)
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12
G/C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw (C-C7-Gm7-Bb-Dm)
Gb,B,Eb,Gb B, Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harmonica-Spiral-Tuning-Kniri-221
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Bluesy Tuning" versus "Orchestra S" (Seydel)
Layout "Bluesy Tuning" (Kniri Knaus)
C/D/F/A/C/D/F/A/C/Eb blow----- chord Dm7-F6-F7
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw---- chord C7/9-Gm7-Bb
--Eb,Gb----Eb,Gb--Db,E bendings
Layout "ORCHESTRA S" Solo Tuning (Seydel)
C/F/F/A/C/F/F/A/C/F blow-------- chord F
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10
D/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D/E draw----- chord Gm6
Db--Gb---Db--Gb----Db bendings
6 tones are different as "Bluesy"
2,6,10 blow and 1,5,10 draw
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Basic Spiral"
G/B*/D/F/A/C/E/G/B/D blow
A/C/E/G/B/D/F/A/C/E draw
"Kniri 221"
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Retuning "Basic Spiral" to "Kniri 221"
Retune Blow
0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0 -1 -1
Retune Draw
0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 -1 0 -1
"Richter"
F/A/C/F/A/C/F/A/C/F blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D draw
Retuning "Richter" in F to "Kniri 221" in G
Retune Blow
+2 +2 +2 0 0 0 -2 -2 -2 -4
Retune Draw
+2 0 0 0 0 0 +1 +1 +2 +1
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KNIRI 122 TUNING
B* = H deutsch, Bb = B deutsch
E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/Gb/Bb
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10
F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F/Ab/B*
Kniri 122 (cyclic scale in the circle of 4ths)
1221221221221221221---steps
************************************
Kniri 221
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b
G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb
Kniri 122
7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b/4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b/5b
B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F
C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/Gb
Kniri 212
3/5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
5b/6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1
E/G/B*/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb
Gb/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri Minor Blues 1 Tuning
20.11.2022
C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/A draw
Db, E, Ab, B, Gb, Db,E, Ab, bendings
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri Minor Blues 2 Tuning
20.11.2022
C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/Ab/C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab draw
Db, E, B, Gb,A, Db,E, bendings
Kniri Special 221 Tuning G B* = H deutsch, Bb = B deutsch
G/B*/D/F#/A/C/E/G/Bb/D blow , chords- G, B*m7, D7, F#-dim , Am7, C7, E-dim, Gm
A/C#/E/G/B*/D/F/A/C/E draw , chords- A7, C#-dim, Em7, G7, B*-dim. Dm7, F, Am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri Special 221 Tuning Eb
Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb/Gb/Bb blow , chords- Eb, Gm7, Bb7, D-dim , Fm7, Ab7, C-dim, Ebm
F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db/F/Ab/C draw , chords- F7, A-dim, Cm7, Eb7, G-dim. Bbm7, Db, Fm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kniri 221 Alternate Spiral Tunings for diatonic harmonicas
I would like to make my ideas available to anyone who is interested !
The SEYDEL company made the specially tuned harmonicas for me.
The "diatonic-cyclic" tone arrangement KNIRI 221 (invented 2001, published 2009), makes it possible to play identical melodies in several major and minor keys.
On a 10 hole harmonica, this allows to play 5 different mixolydian major scales and 5 different natural minor (aeolian) scales, which are related/similar to the circle of 4ths (and 5ths).
The tones have a regular spacing: 221.221.221.221 etc. 2=whole tone, 1=semitone.
The nice thing about this is if you blow or draw any four notes right next to then it will always result in a flat7th-chord major, diminished or minor, depending where you are.
This makes it very easy if you want to use the instrument to accompany someone and for improvisation.
"KNIRI 221" in G
for playing in G,C,F.Bb,Eb (mixolydian) and Am,Dm,Gm,Cm,Fm (aeolian) for playing 1 1/2 octaves
(B'=H deutsch)
G-B'-D-F-A-C-Eb-G-Bb-Db blow chords- G7, Bdim, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
A-C-E-G-Bb-D-F-Ab-C-Eb draw chords- Am7, C7, Edim, Gm7, Bb7,Ddim, Fm7, Ab
Ab Eb,Gb Db, E, B', D bendings
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b blow
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b draw
Demo : Youtube Video
Demo : Youtube Video
10 hole harmonica configured by SEYDEL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"SPIRAL / CIRCULAR" in G (Basic) bluesharmonica.de
(B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G/B'/D blow chords- G7, B'dim, Dm7, F, Am7, C, Em7, G
A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E draw chords- Am7, C, Edim, G7, B'dim, Dm7, F, Am
Ab Eb,Gb,Bb,Db Ab Eb bendings
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Kniri Tunings for playing in 2 1/2 octaves :
" KNIRI EXTRA" in Gm for playing in Gm (aeolian) and Bb (mixolydian)
G-Bb-D-F-A-C-Eb-G-Bb-Db blow chords- Gm7, Bb, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim
A-C-Eb-G-Bb-D-F-Ab-C-Eb draw chords- Adim, Cm7, Eb, Gm7, Bb7,Ddim, Fm7, Ab
Ab, B' , Gb Db, E, B', D bendings
"CIRCULAR BLUES" in Bb for playing in Bb (mixolydian) and Gm (aeolian)
System Kniri (B'=H deutsch)
Bb-D-F-A-C-Eb-G-Bb-Db-F blow chords- Bb, Dm7, F7, Adim, Cm7, Eb7, Gdim, Bbm
C-Eb-G-Bb-D-F-Ab-C-Eb-G draw chords- Cm7, Eb, Gm7, Bb7,Ddim, Fm7, Ab, Cm
B' Gb Db, E, B', D, Gb bendings
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"KNIRI 221" in G (B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
"RICHTER" in F Standard Tuning !
F/A/C/F/ A/ C/ F/ A/ C/ F blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D draw
Gb,B',Eb,Gb Db bendings
"RICHTER-KNIRI " in F
F/A/C/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
"KNIRI 221" in A (B'=H deutsch)
A/C#/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb blow
B'/D/F#/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw
Bb F, Ab Eb,Gb, Db,E bendings
"CIRCULAR BLUES" in C System Kniri
C..Em7..G7..B'dim..Dm7..F7..Adim..Cm
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw
Db Ab Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
Dm7..F..Am7..C7..Edim..Gm7..Bb..Dm
per comparison:
"ZIRKULAR" in C (Seydel)
(B'=H deutsch)
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A draw
"SPIRAL / CIRCULAR" in G (Basic)
(B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G/B'/D blow
A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E draw
Ab Eb,Gb,Bb,Db Ab Eb bendings
"KNIRI 221" in G for playing in Bb and C
(B'=H deutsch)
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
" KNIRI EXTRA" for playing in Gm and Bb
(B'=H deutsch)
G/Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow
A/C/Eb/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw
Ab B' ,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
"KNIRI 221"
Tuning in the circle of 4ths +
B' = H deutsch !
G7..Dm7..F7..Cm7..Eb7 chords and scales
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/Db blow harmonica / pull accordion
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/Ab/C/Eb draw harmonica / push accordion
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E, B', D bendings
Am7..C7..Gm7..Bb7..Fm7 chords and scales
5/7/2/4/6/1/3b/5/7b/2b blow harmonica / pull accordion
6/1/3/5/7b/2/4/6b/1/3b draw harmonica / push accordion
Variante
"JAZZY BLUES" Tuning in C System Kniri
(note 10 blow and note 8 draw = 1 halftone higher than by Kniri 221)
G7..Dm7..F7..Cm7..Eb..Gm chords and scales
G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G/Bb/D blow
A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A/C/Eb draw
Ab Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab,B' bendings
Am7..C7..Gm7..Bb7..Dm..F7 chords and scales
----------------------------------------------------
"RICHTER" Tuning in F
Standard Tuning !
F/A/C/F/A/C/F/A/C/F blow
G/C/E/G/Bb/D/E/G/Bb/D draw
Gb,B',Eb,Gb Db bendings
"RICHTER-KNIRI" Tuning in C
hole 1-5 blow = Richter, hole 6-10 blow = Kniri 221
hole 1-4 draw = Richter, hole 5-10 draw = Kniri 221
A/C/F/A/C/D/F/A/C/Eb blow
C/E/G/Bb/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw
B',Eb,Gb Eb,Gb, Db,E bendings
"KNIRI EXTRA" Tuning in Am for playing in Am and C
Hole 10 blow and hole 8 draw = 1 semitone lower than Basic Circular/Spiral Tuning.
Am7..C..Em7..G7..Bdim..Dm7..F7..Adim
A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb blow
B'/D/F/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F draw
Bb,Db Ab Eb,Gb Db,E bendings
B'dim..Dm7..F..Am7..C7..Edim..Gm7..Bb
"CIRCULAR BLUES" Tuning in C
System Kniri
Hole 9 blow and hole 7 draw = 1 semitone lower than Basic Circular/Spiral Tuning.
C..Em7..G7..B'dim..Dm7..F7..Adim..Cm
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw
Db Ab Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
Dm7..F..Am7..C7..Edim..Gm7..Bb..Dm
-------------------------------------------------------
"CIRCULAR BLUES" Tuning in C
System Kniri
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/Eb/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/Bb/D/F/A draw
Db Ab Eb,Gb Db,E,Ab bendings
Hole 9 blow and hole 7 draw = 1 halftone lower than Basic Circular Tuning
per comparison:
Basic "CIRCULAR" Tuning in C (Seydel "Zirkular 1")
C/E/G/B'/D/F/A/C/E/G blow
D/F/A/C/E/G/B'/D/F/A draw
Db Ab, Eb,Gb,Bb,Db Ab bendings