Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David, I have 3 harmonicas given to a family member who thought he wanted to learn to play the harp; didn't work out. I want to recycle them for other family members as appropriate. He hardly touched them. Is there a good way to clean them up?

It was my mid-20s grandson who tried to learn the harmonica and it didn't take very long for him to decide it wasn't for him? continue reading...

David,

Hi. I've been working on the first and second chorus of 'Walk With Me' for the last week. I'm doing pretty well, but the harmonica fills quickly with saliva compared to puckering. I find myself tapping it to empty the harmonica a lot. I'm wondering how to minimize the saliva to get through a full song and if it's also affecting the sound (recognizing I'm still a relatively new player).

A few questions: continue reading...

dave been playing and i am in lesson 9 and you mention that you have books out . Wher can i find and buy these and which book do you recomend buying ? Thanks

I’m wondering how good my bending should be before I take the Level 3 test. I realize that it could take a long time, but must I get past sounding like a “sick animal” before trying to move on to the next level?

Here’s where I’m at: half-step bends at holes 2, 3, 4 and 6; whole-step bend at 3 (usually); and half-step bend at 1 (rarely). Puckering, I can get a half-step bend at 1 fairly consistently and a whole-step bend at 2, most of the time. continue reading...

Hi David

In LOA5, is it necessary to play 9'+ for F#? We haven't seen the blown bends yet. I can get it to play, but not with the quality of the drawls.

Thank's in advance.

Hi David It's been a while(long story)I'm putting together my level 5 test and i have a dumb question about the accompinament section. I assume that the jam track is I Want you with me (shuffle in E) which would use an A harmonica in 2nd position and the test will be to complete and record Homework ex.2.3 .Is this correct ?I've been working on all the solo harmonica studies and the rest of the material for level 5 . Ive got to say that recording myself is  a HUGE humbling and educational experience !!

Thanks,Fred

Hi David - After learning To pucker play over the last year, I'm taking your course and am on LOA 1.  Tongue blocking all the time is new to me.  Not sure I have it because I can detect the sound of an air leak somewhere when I play, or, at times my tongue seems to big and there is no sound.  Not sure if it is an emboucher issue, 4-hole coverage issue or, after holding w my right hand for a year, not I'm letting my left hand get in the way.  I'll keep at it but would appreciate the benefit of your experience teaching an old dog (I'm 64), new tricks.  Thanks continue reading...

Where can I find holding the bullet mic

Hi David! I'm learning the fifth chorus of Easy Baby and you mention playing some phrases using octaves. I already know how to play octaves because I studied the technique before. I can play the whole chorus using the octaves and fake octaves. It's OK if I record the tune for submission using the octave technique in that particular section of the song? Thanks

I completed level 7 of the LOA program in January of 2019. Some things came up, including COVID and  never got back to the LOA program. However I still am suscribing and enjoying learning new songs. After I completed one of the levels you suggested that perhaps I could take lessons on teaching the harmonica. If that is still the case, I think I may be interested.  Also, I have tried to get going again on the LOA program, but have struggled with the accompaniment and improvising lessons.  Any thoughts on jumpstarting the LOA program in those two areas again? Thanks