Ask Instructor David Barrett

David, 

I am working back through older material I have been through before, since my practicing/playing has been so sporadic over the past few years.

In looking at AAA Chorus structure, and the same note pattern as your A lick, is there a problem to use:

6D  6D 7B  6D  5D 5D

I didn't grab the note combination from anywhere other than what sounded good to my ear. Without bends it might not be the "bluesiest" lick, I was going to build the homework assignments off it - unless there is something just foundationally wrong.

Thank you.

Hi, I'm working on examples 1.4-1.6, and my problem is I'm running outta air. I'm trying to use a nose push on the blow cords and single notes which I learned form Mr. Filisko (w/articulations it doesn't seem to affect the sound too much), but it's not enough. Please what can I do to help? 

Dear David,

Could you send me the 3D print file? I am from Europe, so I am unable to buy the TBT from filiskostore.

Thank you!

-Gyuri

Hello David,

I just watched your Lesson 4 on jaw movement and tried to apply it. I can feel my jaw moving, but it seems like my tongue is stuck to the harmonica, and the notes don’t change — they remain the same. Could you please give me some advice on how to overcome this difficulty?

I'm a beginner and new to the LOA course studies. I've decided to work through all of the music theory first. When working through the support doc: Music Theory Study 2 - Modes & Positions Ex2.1 and checking my answers with those provided on p.21 of the support PDF, I think you have provided inorrect answers. Could you check your answers for this exercise please?

Thank you.

David, I am spending time in Improvising Study I. The chorus forms concept I totally understand and now it's just a matter of spending time in the material. Where I struggle terribly is coming up with fills. Is there some magic sauce in coming up with fills that sound good, or is it just a matter of trial and error until I grab something I like?

Thanks in advance.

Dear David,

I'm a complete beginner on the harmonica following along with your tongue blocking lessons.  I've enjoyed all the lessons very much so far.  It's been very valuable.  Thanks for making them. continue reading...

Hi David

I've thinking for a while of buying a Fender Pro Jr IV. I've watched your review of this amp which is very helpful. 

A guitar player friend of mine is selling a Fender Pro Jr III. It's recently refurbished and I'm sure he'll offer me a good deal. It's also good to buy from a friend.

The main difference I can see between III and IV is that III has an Eminence speaker and IV has a Jensen speaker. How big an impact does this have? 

Thanks

Sean

Hello David,

In Music Theory Study 5 - Section 1 Questions, you answer the Question 3 by saying that the Approach 2 (Ex. 1.8.) and Approach 3 (Ex. 1.10.) are similar and I got a bit confused I guess :

Approach 2 (Ex. 1.8.) : G Major Pentatonic Scale Adding the C for the IV Chord and F# for the V Chord so :

I Chord : G A B D E G

IV Chord : C D E G A B C (6 notes ?)

V Chord : D E F# G A B D (6 notes ?)

Approach 3 (Ex. 1.10.) : Chord Tones of the Major Pentatonic Scales so :

I Chord : G A B D E G

IV Chord : C D E G A C continue reading...

Hi, Dave, continue reading...