Posted Tue, 01/14/2014 - 09:31 by David Barrett Admin
When you move out of time it's usually for one reason... you're too focused on what you're playing. Relax... clear your mind... enjoy the music you're creating with the other musicians (live or on recording) and focus not on what you're playing, but the composite effect of what you and the band are playing together.
Posted Mon, 01/13/2014 - 09:04 by David Barrett Admin
It can be challenging at times to anticipate when chord change is going to happen in a song. Maybe the tune has very smooth transitions between chords (no telegraphing) or the volume mix of the instruments on stage is such that it makes it hard to hear the collective chord change. continue reading...
Posted Wed, 01/08/2014 - 09:39 by David Barrett Admin
Tone is created by the player... with their embouchure (for a harmonica player) or with their hands for guitar, bass, piano and drums. Good players can play at a whisper-quiet volume with huge tone. They can also use a rig (mic, amp, etc.) that the average player may feel is lacking and make it sound glorious. If your rig doesn't break up until you have it set real loud, then tame it with lower-gain tubes or use a smaller amp so that you can drive it harder. continue reading...
Posted Mon, 01/06/2014 - 11:26 by David Barrett Admin
Replace the word "Jazz" with "Blues" and this is pretty accurate to what the new blues musician experiences. I've provided the text and my notes for your review to go along with your watching of the video.
Posted Fri, 01/03/2014 - 10:22 by David Barrett Admin
I've never heard the comment... by anyone... ever... that a band was too quiet. The usual comment is "the band was so loud I couldn't hear myself at all." It's also common to hear from those in the audience, "I think you sounded good, but I couldn't really hear you."
So, our rule of thumb...
While playing on the bandstand, if you're not able to follow the story the soloist is crafting or the tale the vocalist is weaving, you're playing too loud. The vocalist/soloist has to at all times be heard well enough that not only their strong notes come out, but the subtleties as well. continue reading...
Posted Sun, 12/29/2013 - 20:36 by David Barrett Admin
HarpNinja is an invaluable program for those working on their bending skills. Join me for a quick screen-cast lesson on this software. For more information and to purchase this program visit: http://harpninja.com/wp/ This is lesson is for all skill level players. No harmonica is needed for this lesson.
Posted Fri, 12/27/2013 - 22:48 by David Barrett Admin
In this lesson Ryan continues his work on Improvising (V-IV-I licks), Accompaniment (Hole Changes), Solo Harmonica playing (Charleston rhythm) and the slow blues study song with breaks, "Blues Creapin' Over Me."
Lesson 23 - Intro & Accompaniment Study 3: Harmonica and Chord Review
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Hole Changes Review
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Blues Creapin’ Over Me
Lesson 23 - Solo Harmonica Study 3: Ex. 1.4
Lesson 23 - Accompaniment Study 3: Ex. 1-8