Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David, i can't find the area of constriction for 1 draw.. Is it the "Key" or the "Koo" location?The tongue is on the right of the hole 1 and it's confusing me.. I can't move it like i do for the holes 2,3,4,6.

Hi David! YET another question, this time about the chorus #4 in the study song Temperature, I have a little trouble with the articulation of the upbeat 1 2 3 draw chords. It's OK to use the T or K articulation to "separate" that chord from the tongue slap note that lands in the beat 1? I find hard to do 2 in breaths consecutively + the tongue slap. Thanks in advance. 

Hello David.  FYI

Secret Mathematical Patterns Revealed in Bach's MusicBaroque German composer Johann Sebastian Bach produced music that is so scrupulously structured that it’s often compared to math. Although few among us are emotionally affected by mathematics, Bach’s works—and music in general—moves us. It’s more than sound; it’s a message. And now, thanks to tools from information theory, researchers are starting to understand how Bach’s music gets that message across. continue reading...

Hi Dave (and the rest of the community). Sorry for asking so many question in little time.I recently watched the INCREDIBLE Robert Bonfiglio interview. Lots of food for thought, specially when he talks about practicing. He doesn't pull any punches.To be honest, I want to seriously learn and play the harmonica but I'm already 34 years old and it's really hard to practice many hours now. I usually practice 1:30 or two hours a day diatonic and chromatic. Then I practice guitar as much as I can. continue reading...

Hi David!I have been practicing tongue blocking as you suggested. I already feel an improvement of my tone even though I can't play as fluent as I do with the puckering technique so far. The question is: it is normal that I tend to put the harmonica (chromatic and diatonic as well) a little bit tilted to the right side of my mouth/face? I know some player do this but I don't know if they do that for the same reason as me.It is OK to play like this? Is the most comfortable way for me to play tongue blocking.

Hi David! I hope you are doing great!My name is Norlo and I'm from Córdoba Argentina. I have been playing harmonica for a couple of years (and guitar for many years). I know all my music theory as well.My first teacher taught me how to play everything puckering: bends, scales, even a llittle bit of overblows. I can do tongue splits/octaves, a little bit of slaps, etc. No vibrato tho. I also play chromatic a bit and my former teacher taught me tango and jazz. Mostly using puckering technique except from togue splits.  continue reading...

I bought an a flat harmonica and cant find the lasson for it ? I need help sorry . Thanks

Hello David,

For Level 1's Movement Exercises Example 2, in the video you mentioned that we should practice jaw movement. Should we do it while tongue blocking or puckering then? Asking since I saw you mentioned in another post that jaw moving is more common while puckering.

Thanks!

Hello David, 

Where can I find a recording of ex 2.5 from level 3 Solo harmonica level 2 ? In section 2 bass lines, Mark Hummels #1 Tip of the month.

You don't mention it in the video lesson, I have been searching in other levels but  to no avail. It would be helpfull to hear how it is supposed to sound, or is this a test if we can find out for ourselves? ;-) 

Thanks

Els Rensink

Hello David, 

Where can I find a recording of ex 2.5 from level 3 Solo harmonica level 2 ? In section 2 bass lines, Mark Hummels #1 Tip of the month.

You don't mention it in the video lesson, I have been searching in other levels but  to no avail. It would be helpfull to hear how it is supposed to sound, or is this a test if we can find out for ourselves? ;-) 

Thanks

Els Rensink