Ask Instructor David Barrett

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.

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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

I'm having trouble with example 2.1 from solo harmonica 2 for the first 4 measures. All those draw slaps and pulls with just one single blow slap in the middle are making me feel like i'm a balloon! It's really uncomfortable to play this example, what I'm probably doing wrong?

Hi David,

I'm practising Solo harmonica Study 2, Examples1.6 to 1.8, and there are many flutters on eighth notes. I cannot physically achieve that and to be honest I cannot hear the flutter when you play the examples. Any tips on how to achieve it? Many thanks.

Hello David,

I am really learning a lot from your lessons! However, I hope you can help with a technique question. Here goes... continue reading...

Hi Dave,

I am preparing myself for the Level 2 test, still have some work to do on the music theory, and have just begun the accompaniment section homework.

On the 'begin test' page, under accompaniment playing study 2, it says to do the charleston rythm from 1.12, but 1.12 doesn't show up. It goes from 1.10 to 2.1. 

Please advise.

Thanks

Saul

Hi Dave,

I am preparing myself for the Level 2 test, still have some work to do on the music theory, and have just begun the accompaniment section homework.

On the 'begin test' page, under accompaniment playing study 2, it says to do the charleston rythm from 1.12, but 1.12 doesn't show up. It goes from 1.10 to 2.1. 

Please advise.

Thanks

Saul