Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

Sometimes the LOA requirements between the level-specific video and the Quick Reference Guide differ slightly. For example the guide for Level 7 says to record the chromatic scale over holes  1 - 7, and to record the bass lines using a metronome. However, the Level 7 video says to record the chromatic scale over holes 1 - 4, and to record the bass lines over the provided backing tracks.  Does the guide supercede the video, since it was released more recently?

Thanks! -Dave K.

Hello David,

is this a pull? https://ibb.co/GcmSyX1

Hi David,

Apologies this is possibly dumb.  I'm on Tongue Blocking Study 2 and the video refers to doing Improvising Study No. 1.  But I can't find that - where is it?!

Like I say, apologies.

Will

Hello David, are you using an out of the box harmonica for the mp3 examples? Which one? Thanks for your time, Mark

In section2 where you list the notes under each chord, why is the 5 draw (F) not listed under the 1 chord? (Top of Pg2 on pdf)

Thx,

Ravi

Hello,

First, I wanted to thank you for all your teachings. You have made a huge difference my harmonica learning.

I wanted to try to reconcile what I think are contradicting points of view on the role of moving the jaw to reach notes in the harmonica. In your (old) video, you recommend moving the jaw side to side to reach notes while tongue blocking to get good tone (Minute 4:35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s08HUfIPIqE

  continue reading...

Hello,

First, I wanted to thank you for all your teachings. You have made a huge difference my harmonica learning.

I wanted to try to reconcile what I think are contradicting points of view on the role of moving the jaw to reach notes in the harmonica. In your (old) video, you recommend moving the jaw side to side to reach notes while tongue blocking to get good tone (Minute 4:35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s08HUfIPIqE

  continue reading...

Hi David,

as I am working on Exercise 1 (tongue blocking), I wonder what to do with my tongue when going one hole further up or down the harp. Do I take the tongue completely off the harp, or do I just release some pressure and "slide" to the next holes?

Thanks in advance, Peter

Hi Dave,

I’m learning to play the song, Gary’s Blues.  I like your playing of Gary’s Blues amplified and it has me loving the sound.  Is there any way to get this sound using a paddle or something else without spending lots of money; something that can be fed into the house PA.  Because of my inexperience and lack of remaining years, I can’t justify spending lots of money on a tube amp. continue reading...

I am working on Level 4 - Improvising Study.

For A B/A C chorus form, you ask for the 3rd example to use the "Sequence" technique.  You indicate to go to Blues Music Theory section to learn how to do this. I can not find that lesson on the site.  Can you indicate where exactly I can locate that section?   Thank you.