Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David.  I am new to learning harmonica and also play guitar.  I am keen to be able to play the two at the same time using a neck holder.  However I find it is well nigh impossible to tongue block using the upper part of the tongue, instead I am using the lower part just underneath the tip of the tongue.  This seems to work fine but am I storing up problems doing it this way?  Many thanks for your help.

I'm looking at the tab and following along with the mp3...is it me or does the mp3 end about 8 measures before the tab? 

Hi David,

Still working my way through Gary's Blues, it's taking me quite a few months to get it but I,m starting to get there.

I've just discovered the Jimmy Reed Shuffle by accident on your web page, absolutely love it and will try learn that tune too.

I hope you are all staying safe and keeping well under these circumstances, the Lockdown in scotland has given me more time to study these tunes.

regards

Roger

Hey I just have a c harmonica and want to strt with the first lesson. Is it necessary to have a a Harmonica or is it also possible with a c Harmonica ? 

Thank you 

Greetings from Rica.

Hi David,

I am working on Tongue Blocking Study 2.

I believe the sound of my slaps is fine, but my timing is off.

I start my breath on the beat, so the chordal sound is on the beat, and the slapped note itself is slightly delayed.

12 years of woodwind instrument training means that in my mind, I am on time if I get sound out of the instrument at the time of the bar.

I've already tried working with a metronome at 60bpm, playing only a repeated single note, and still I manage to play the single note behind the beat.

  continue reading...

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