Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello,

since I started practicing level 2 of LOA I started to have problems with saliva and the need to 'burp' after a long phrase. Probably the culprit is the slap technic since it is the main difference between levels 1 and 2. I'm projecting a lot of saliva on the harmonica, so much that after some practice some reeds start to get stuck. Besides that, I think I'm swallowing air, because if I play for too long I start to feel the need to burp and I end up having to stop so I can relieve my self...

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Hello David,

I have another articulation related question.

On the first chorus of the song "Feelin' for the BluesBending Song Example #2", what articulation do you use for the 3' ?

It sounds really well artuculated, but I have no idea how to approach it.

Thanks in advance!

Hi david

Ive been with you for over 5 years now.  My technique is improving, bends pretty good, beginning to have a mind for improvise although my entire musical life has been "playing charts" so this is not natural for me.  While I have fun with the Harp as a hobby Im beginning to feel like Im treading water or running in a circle.

I would love to play in a band again I dont see a pathway for that as I dont have any contacts doing that and I am still not ready for solo work. continue reading...

 No question here, just had to say thanks for putting up " Snake Oil". I got enough on my plate right now but I the future that song is definitely on my bucket list.

Sanshinboi ( no need to reply I know your a busy man)

Hi David 

Some time ago I mentioned that was struggling to learn scales.  I have finally broken through.  To do so I made a computer spreadsheet showing the holes, notes in graphical form.  Holes across the top.  Blow, Draw, Half bend full bend on the side.  I colored the cells and even numbered the Pitches in the sequence of the scale.   continue reading...

Hello David,

In Verse 1 of " I Want You With mMe " after the 5/4 shake the second 4 draw denotes a fall. As we slide down to the 2 draw do we leave our tongue on the harmonica. Or do we lift the tongue off and slap the first 2 hole draw. In the " Cool Blue" video you say the tongue gradually come off is that the case for all falls?

Sanshinboi

So, I finished Level 1 Theory which proved to be more difficult than anticipated and makes me dread Level 2. I'm confused why memorizing the C harmonica is so important and how that will help me with the other keys, other than being able to determine which holes to play?

How do you know the key a piece is written in if you don't remember which sharps and flats are in each key?

If all this will become more clear as I progress to future Theory levels please feel free to just tell me to be patient!

Hello David,

In the cupping section you talk about cupping the right side vent of the harmonica.

I am still fighting with it but what I have bigger troubles with is the left side vent.

In order for me to have the playing surface of the upper plate available to me I cant help but expose this vent, so I have been wondering.

Is scotch tape a possibility? :)

Or should I look for another approach?

Thanks in advance!

Angel

Hi David,

Is the program that you use to generate your sheet music publicly available? If so, what is it called?

I've got some ideas that I'd like to transcribe.

Many thanks,

G~

Hi David,

I have a question about the use of the terms chorus and verse.From my limited music knowledge I was of the understanding that a Chorus was the part of a song that repeated between verses. Are these terms used differently with reference to 12 bar chord structures?I've noticed most study songs are broken up into Choruses whereas the Accompaniment study songs (eg Blues Creepin' Over Me) are broken up into Verses.Are these different for a reason? Is there a general rule for when either term should be used?CheersGlenn