Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

Started your classes 3 weeks ago while being confined :) They're amazing.

I'm making some good progress on the bending, especially on the 4 & 6 draws.

The 3 draw bend is coming as well, I can get to the correct frequencies (thanks to harpninja app) but I can't get a nice sound out of it (sounds like a fly if you know what I mean).

Does that mean my tongue is not correctly located ?

Thanks in advance for your support, your classes are great by the way !

Adrien from France

Multiple years ago I bought your book and CD Master of Chicago Blues Harp.  It is awesome!  Which songs from these books are the easiest to play or easiest to start with.  

Good Morning!

There is a beginner bluegrass jam session happening on-line in my area.  I love bluegrass but I'm uncertain if Ive ever heard harmonica in bluegrass.

If I was going to listen in or prep to play for a song with this online group, what scales, chords or notes would I be most apt to use?  Any lessons on your site that would be helpful for a beginner?

--Doug

Good Morning!

There is a beginner bluegrass jam session happening on-line in my area.  I love bluegrass but I'm uncertain if Ive ever heard harmonica in bluegrass.

If I was going to listen in or prep to play for a song with this online group, what scales, chords or notes would I be most apt to use?  Any lessons on your site that would be helpful for a beginner?

--Doug

David,

Loving your site so far!!!!

I'm curoious if there is a master list of all lessons including guest lessons.  I know the lessons tab lists your lessons.  I'm assuming that includes all of your lessons.

I know Joe Falisko teaches some lessons on things such as the "Fox Chase."  I'm assuming that other guests teach lessons too.  Where do I find those?

Thanks, Doug

David,

Loving your site so far!!!!

I'm curoious if there is a master list of all lessons including guest lessons.  I know the lessons tab lists your lessons.  I'm assuming that includes all of your lessons.

I know Joe Falisko teaches some lessons on things such as the "Fox Chase."  I'm assuming that other guests teach lessons too.  Where do I find those?

Thanks, Doug

Hi David,

I watched Joe's video lesson about the different kinds of tone.  The one that blew me away and which is most mysterious to me is what he calls "head tone."  I imagine, like most techniques, it will take a good amount of time and effort to "get it." My question is, how would you start?

I have A and D special 20s.  What is the order of the next keys I should buy to complete the lessons.  

Also, curious about your thoughts on the Eastop 008K for playabiitity and ease of bending compared to the special 20?  Also, tone?

Also, what are your thoughts of the Hohner Rocket Amp compared to the special 20.  

Thanks in advance!  -Doug

P.S.  The lessons are AWESOME so far!!!

Hi David,

After being forced to have a break from harmonica lessons for three weeks due to breathing difficulties caused by Covid-19, I am working on bending notes. I understand what you say that I need to develop muscle memory through putting the hours in.

My question is should I work on one hole at a time until I can comfortably bend the notes of that hole before moving to the next, or is it better to spend a little time on each?

Also, continue reading...

Hi,

To start with, my hearing isn't great so I do have a bit of trouble telling the difference between a B and B flat - I am practising my 4 draw (I can do the 6 ok), so to help me I'm using apps to help out like the T1 Tuner app and the harpninja app on the iphone. When I do a simple draw on hole 4 it comes out at about 500Hz, and when I try to bend I'm struggling to get below 480. What sort of range is generally ok? I don't want to get too clinical with numbers, but I do use them as a bit of a crutch for my hearing!

thanks

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