Ask Instructor David Barrett

Mr. Barrett:  How long (approximaely) do you estimate it will take to complete all ten Levels of Achievement?

Thansk,

Crazy Uncle Jay

Hi David,

I'm right at the start of this but really enjoying your lessons. I'm working through the 1st and 2nd chorus of Walk With Me.

I have a couple of questions...

1. Is there a way to search the forum using keywords? I can't see a search button but may be just being stupid? continue reading...

Hi David,

I am currently looking at Tongue Block Study 2.

Do you articulate repeated notes that are separated by a tongue slap, or do you play them with the same breath, and just lift the tongue and put it back on the harmonica to separate the individual notes?

Best,

Cornelius

Hi David,

I am beginning to get some bends by drawing the sides of my tongue hard up against my upper back teeth. However, I can only do this while puckering... totally impossible while tongue blocking because this manoeuvre pulls the tip of my tongue back away from the harmonica. Any magic tips?

Many thanks.

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?

In the pdf for the C Harmonica Introductory lesson in section 2 it says the tune "America" sounds one octave higher than notated.  I don't think this is true is it?

Hello David,

I need your help to build a methodic of mastering bends on different harp keys.

So far through my studies and my practice time I mainly work on an A harp, so naturally I am stating to feel more and more comfortable with that key.

However today I attempted a piece on a C harp. It's not like this came unexpected but I have realized that on that harp key I have much less control over the bends on hole 3.

The rest were also challenging off course, but number 3 really gave me headaches. continue reading...

David

 I've been practicing 30 minutes to a hour every day since I started two weeks ago, I'm having real problem drawing on the harmonica constantly.  I can play fine for a short time then all of a sudden I get nothing on my draws not even a squeak.  

 I've watched the introduction to breathing over and over, searched YouTube for tips, looked at a bunch of books, lay in bed at night practicing breathing from my diaphragm.

 I'm probably just over thinking it, but it's really frustrating. I want to get better continue reading...

hi, In level 4

Accompaniment Study 4 – Section 3: Chording Under Vocals

u say;   for backing hit 1 "downbeat   and the and of 2

so to me this means 1(play)        and        2        and(play)

1 n   2 n 3 n 4 n etc is this correct

wher will I find answer u give thanks

hi, In level 4

Accompaniment Study 4 – Section 3: Chording Under Vocals

u say;   for backing hit 1 "downbeat   and the and of 2

so to me this means 1(play)        and        2        and(play)

1 n   2 n 3 n 4 n etc is this correct

wher will I find answer u give thanks