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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Acoustic/Amped song submissions

1 reply [Last post]
Wed, 03/31/2010 - 13:35
jodanchudan
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Joined: 01/04/2010

I just bought a mic and, although I'm loving playing through it, it adds another layer of technique to master. I've gone back to your Playing Amplified video and now realise what a huge difference a tight cup makes to the tone. But to get the right tone, I'm really having to tilt the harp against my cheek to seal the upper holes. This new, awkward position has made it tricky to get some of the bends and it's also now a struggle to play above the first four holes without mashing my lip into my teeth! I don't mind this too much (apart from the lip-mashing) because it's just a matter of ironing it out through practice, but is it wise to tackle learning mic technique at the same time as a Study Song for a submission? And is it easier for you to assess us if the submission is acoustic anyway?

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Wed, 03/31/2010 - 14:32
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David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

I think it's a good idea to play at home amplified as well... it's up to you. It's better to work on it little-by-little now than all of a sudden jumping up and playing with a band at a jam session and it being super awkward. In regards to song submissions, it doesn't matter... again, you choose.

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