Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

Can you please recommend me some exercises I could include in my daily routine that would help me develop, "polish" and automate my tremolo (both on the inhale and on the exhale) ?

Thanks in advance!

Hello David,

As a typical example I have the last 4 bars of chorus 3 of the studdy song "Temperature".

It seems much easier to me to move my jaw when switchinh between holes 1 and 2.

Is that "OK" or should I really aim for moving the harmonica instead od moving my jaw when doing that specific switch?

I guess I will soon have the same dilema for 9 and 10, but that will come later.

Thanks in advance!

Hello David or anybody that can give me a hand!

I have a harmonica in C and I would love to play the part of the accordion in this song "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgozJRbwKfM" wich starts in the minute 1:26 to the 1:58, but I cant find the music sheet anywhere. Does anybody know how to transcript the notes?. I really love this song and it means a lot.

Thanks a lot this page is awesome!!

I've been using Garage Band a lot for the harmonica, to practice and to record me for LOA performance tests. For LOA 1, Walk With Me song, I was ok with the standard microphone, but yesterday I was recording some versions of Temperature for LOA 2 and the recording just sounded flat and not what I actually hear when I'm playing. continue reading...

Hi!

i am Francesco, beginner following the first lesson. You suggested to use harmonica A. I have only a key G harmonica. Is that ok? 

Hi David,

I just picked up my first harmonica like 3 weeks ago after seeing a guy play one in a band and being inspired to take it up. First of all, i'm really enjoying your course, planning to work my way through the LOA program.

  continue reading...

when i breathe through my harmonica i try my best to stop my nasal cavity but it just seems impossible. you can hear the sound of air blowing out my nose as i blow each note. What am i doing wrong? How do i stop this?

How do I keep from running out of breath on the shuffle examples 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. I must be doing something wrong.

Hi David,

I'm just starting out.  In your first lesson video you mention Tongue Blocking Excercise 1.5 (simple folk melodies).  I don't see a link to it, and can't figure out where it might be.  Is there a place where all the exercises live?

Regards,

David

David Hi

A query re The Big One

Verse 7   measures 3 and 4. At the end of measure 3 there is the octave 4  8   (a quarter note b ).  This is the  ”Tied”  to the same octave in measure 4, therefore  two quarter notes, a half note. When I listen to it  it sounds like two distinct “quarter notes” are being played rather than an extended note for half note.  Wonder what I am getting wrong my listening or understanding?  

Thanks