Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

Hello David,

I got tho this last example and have attempted to play itm but am facing troubles with the rythmic part: especially the triplets.

I assume I am suposed to swing it, but I am really lost with those triplets :(.

Would you mind posting a recorded example of how it should be played?

Thanks in advance!

I'm an absolute beginner and have just started level in levels of achievement. I've watched the first couple of videos and you mentioned all we will need is an A key harmonica, all i've got is a C key. So my question is will i be able to learn just fine with a C key harmonica? Do you have any suggestions for what I should do to make sure i learn properly?

Cheers,

Adam

Hi.

I'm a beginner and I have no idea about harmonica. I have a C harmonica, Hohner Silver Star. In the Levels of Achievement section, specifically does the Level 1 lessons require only A harmonica or does C harmonica fits, too?

Thanks. 

Hi.

I'm a beginner and I have no idea about harmonica. I have a C harmonica, Hohner Silver Star. In the Levels of Achievement section, specifically does the Level 1 lessons require only A harmonica or does C harmonica fits, too?

Thanks. 

Hello David,

So I have a question about octaves. So +1 and +4 is an octave, -1 and -4 is an octave and so is +2 +5 but -2 -5 isn't.

Okay the question. First I've noticed ppl playing the -2 -5 as an octave ( here's an example of someone talking about using a -2 -5 at 3:00 minutes in : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKJ_diG4_Tw ) continue reading...