Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Recommended additional material

3 replies [Last post]
Fri, 04/10/2020 - 17:38
Ivan Degtiarenko
Ivan Degtiarenko's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 02/19/2019

Hi David. Are there any materials from other authors you would recommend to accompany your course?

I guess, books with transcriptions of famous harmonica songs and licks are helpful in building one's musical vocabulary. Which of them are good, and on what level of LOA would you recommend to start using them alongside your course?

Top
Fri, 04/10/2020 - 18:13
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello nahrihra.

Hello nahrihra.

Unfortunately, transcriptions are not an option for you right now. Transcriptions are of well-known songs, recorded by famous harmonica players. The technique used in these songs are at too high of a high level for you right now (you can try, but you'll find that most licks have many techniques you haven't studied yet).

The good thing is if you are diligent in your studies here, once you've completed LOA-L5, you'll be able to play most of what's out there.

I don't have any books that I recommend (there's really not much out there beyond the very basics). I have written many books, but the website is much more comprehensive.

I recommend you mix your studies to keep things interesting for you. Focus on your study song, but also have fun with the solo harmonica studies, accompaniment playing, music theory, and interviews... there's plenty to keep you busy on the site.

Top
Sat, 04/11/2020 - 02:20
#2
Ivan Degtiarenko
Ivan Degtiarenko's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 02/19/2019
Thanks David. How long does

Thanks David.

How long does it usually take to reach level 5 if you play 30 mins a day 5 days a week?

Top
Sat, 04/11/2020 - 07:03
#3
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
Offline
ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello nahrihra. To complete

Hello nahrihra. To complete Level 5 with that amount of practice, would commonly be two years (faster if you practice more of course).

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com