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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Adam Gussow Interview

6 replies [Last post]
Fri, 12/23/2011 - 22:26
Spl20
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Joined: 04/14/2010

WOW! Not so much a question but a, Thank You!! So much, what a great interview. You 2 are by far the greatest harmonica teachers out there, a few others run a close 2nd , but in complete learning you guys are tops and then to get to hear you talk about the harp in was a early Christmas Gift.

I learned allot from this interview too!! especially the section on "information overload", I could relate and it helps to know that it's a problem for others and it's ok to take the time to learn it. Just because there is a 5 gallon tub of ice cream doesn't mean your suppose to eat all in one sitting, it should take appropriate amount of time and that should be the focus.

Thanks!!

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Fri, 12/23/2011 - 22:53
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

Glad you liked it... it was a fun interview.

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Tue, 12/27/2011 - 16:51
#2
Taylor Ward
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Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011
Yeah, I second that. It was

Yeah, I second that. It was really cool to see the two most well known instructors in blues harmonica in the same room talking shop.

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Wed, 12/28/2011 - 14:34
#3
hank stefaniak
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Teacher 6Level 9
Joined: 12/20/2009
Use of Hands

I agree that it was a great interview - you looked like you were enjoying it.

I noticed the way Adam uses his hands is quite 'active'. I've seen others that are similar but many that do not show as much 'action'. Would this be because he is playing acoustically or would he play the same way with a mic in his hands? I know the effects of using hands (way way, muting, changing tone etc) but most of these effects use a much quieter hand action (I think). WHat would be the effect you are going for using a more active hand action like Adam??

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Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:24
#4
David Barrett
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Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

You're correct. You will use much more hand effects when playing acoustically. Exaggerated hand movements tend to be more for show. Rod Piazza once said, "People listen with their eyes." Video record yourself doing the different hand movements Adam used and listen to what they do for your sound. This is a great way to find out how these gestures sound when you use them.

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Fri, 12/30/2011 - 15:21
#5
Rev. skags
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Joined: 12/19/2009
Adam gussow

Yes, the interview with Adam Gussow was outstanding. In my opinion it is the best one that has been posted so far. I think that it would be great if he could participate on the site more often. Concerning Adams hand movements, last night I had the privilege of attending an instructional jam that was hosted by the Huntington WV harmonica club featuring Adam Gussow. One thing that I also noticed was his active hand movement. I think that he uses that technique when playing amplified more for timing than tonal dynamics.

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Fri, 12/30/2011 - 20:26
#6
Gerard Clyne
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Joined: 04/11/2010
Yes Rev. skags, I remember

Yes Rev. skags, I remember him saying at some point during one of his Youtube videos that it was a kind of a habit that he got into which allowed him to keep time better.

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