Ask Instructor David Barrett

This is probably a common question 

I played the harmonica as a teenager(I'm now 70) and took it up seriously again about 6 months ago. Ive been incorporating tb in my playing ,mostly for octaves pulls and various splits I find it easier to pucker the lower 3 holes to get bends . I havnt submitted any mp3s of my playing but can I combine techniques on the submissions or do you expect tb all the time

Ive been working my way through your books Daily Studies,Blues Harmonica level 2 and recently started Jam tracks and soloing

I continue reading...

Hi David! Do you have a lesson on how to properly bend the chromatic harmonica? If not, any advice? Thanks!!

Hello David:

I'm curious why you stress the importance of memorizing notes as opposed to holes.  I know knowledge is good and the theory is obviously helpful but is there some specific reason you emphasize memorizing the notes on the C harp?  I've been focused on the accompaniment sections where you mention that often and I would like to understand it's importance a bit more.  My old brain probably won't be able to memorize the notes on all my harps so I'm hoping that isn't key to improvement!

Thanks,

Mark

Hi David! Few weeks ago a guitar played called me to play harmonica for his new blues-rock band. I have been playing harmonica for a couple of years and recently started in your website to get more tongue blocking chops. I'm still a newbie but I would like to someday play with a band! From what you heard in the recording submissions do you think I'm ready to play in a band or should I wait a little longer for joining a group? Thanks in advance!!

David,

I'd like to get accredited as an instructor.  What do I need to do?

David I’m struggling playing with a microphone.  I watched the video where you showed Ryan Walker how to use the mic and get good cupping.  I think I’m getting a good seal.  My problem is to get that seal I feel I am holding the harp too tight and my hands are too tight against my face and this prevents me from being able to move around on the harmonica past a few holes.  continue reading...

Hi David! I just moved to a new apartment and sadly, one of my neighbours doesn't like hear me playing much, haha! Specially on sundays. I tried to play softly and no complaing yet. Any suggestion for playing softly? I feel that I don't have the same control on bends and other techniques. 

Hello David,

Thank you for the fantastic website.

In the Music Theory Study 2.5,  for the 2 draw half step bend, I don't understand why it goes from the 1st scale degree to the 7th.

As in the Myxolydian mode there's a whole step between the 7th and the 8th degree, then if I bend the 2 draw by a half step should'nt it go from 1st degree to 1st b ?

(Idem for the 9 blow)

Thank you

Hi David! I want to record the second study song using the Reaper DAW. I only have an Audix Fireball microphone (kinda like a shortened SM58). When I record the tone is poor and sometimes too low. Of course I have been playing for a short time and the tone is not big but I feel more happy with how recording with my phone sounds LOL! Any suggestion for this; Thanks. 

Hi David, my name is Andy. I'm working through tongue block study 1. I got a Hohner Crossover in A. While playing along with Walk with Me I noticed i was very sharp. You are spot on perfect according to my tuner, and I'm showing between 15 and 30 cents sharp on every note. It's averaging 25 cents sharp on the blows and about 15 cents sharp on the draws. I've got another harp brand in C that generally plays more in tune, although the tone and response isn't as nice as the Hohner. Have you noticed any tuning issues with the Hohner Crossover? Is this me or the harp? continue reading...