Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

Hope all is well. I have a question about Buffet Line. The notations contain a small circle over given notes along with the words "open" and "close". I'm aware that the circles denote slaps but I don't undertand the meanings of "open" and "close". Perhaps this was explained but I missed it. Can you elaborate on this?

Hello David,

Well I guess most harmonica players face this dilema sooner or later, but for me it came rather sooner :)

I think I have overdone my practice yesterday. I was playing for about 6 hours, but...well it is weekend so what more fun to do :)

I am rather new to tongue blocking so I might not be doing something right, cos this morning I woke up and the teeth the lower left corner of my mouth (where most of the action is happening) but also the upper right teeth were huritng. continue reading...

Are there any Solid State Amps worth considering for the Harmonica?

Hello David:

A couple of general questions about the site and how you prefer your students to get feedback.  

1.  Is there a search function somewhere on the site? (I think I saw the answer to my next question but couldn't find it again)

2.  Is the only song study backing track that doesn't include you playing along the track that is at full speed?

3.  Do you mind if students send in parts of study songs for review?

4.  How often do you recommend that students send in clips for your evaluation?

  continue reading...

Hello David,

Here I am with another strange question :).

I am curently practicing chorus number 5 of the "Temperature" song.

I have cume upon a strange (for me) problem.

At a certain point after playing those 2 note combinations for a while I get not only dry lips, but the right side of my tongue gets dry as well.

Considering the intensity of the song at this point it is difficult to find a rest long enough so that I can get my mouth wet + get my lips wet + to get the harp wet. continue reading...

Am I hearing it right?  On the sheet music I read 3 triplets (that'd probably sound really cool if I get them in synch), but on the example audio track, I'm hearing (I think) swing 8ths (6+ 6+ 5+ 5+ 5 5).  Am I missing something? 

David Hi. Wow you sure know how to challenge your students. :-)  The Big One Verse 3. 3rd and 7th  measures. The pull is 5432  DBAF. I find myself instinctively doing a slap 5432+ CCGE. These are very different set of note is that OK or not. Thank you in advance.

ps really enjoyed the interview with Jerry Portnoy. Great. Had always wondered who Big Nate was.

The Jerry Portnoy interview is fantastic.  When you are both discussing the concept of improvising, light bulbs were going off in my head.  I memorized Jerry's Blues for Big Nate, and it made this interview especially relavant.  Thanks Dave for including these interviews as part of your program.  Every one offers gold nuggets and inspiration especially when you play it out with your guest.

Hello David,

I have just started Solo Harmonica Study 1 and the biggest issue I have so far is becomming "light headed" too quickly when practicing the cord patterns.

Can you please advice me how can I control that or what do I need to concentrate on to avoid hyperventilating too quickly?

Thanks in advance!

Hi David,

I have been studying blues harp for about 7 months now. I have been mostly puckering but trying to switch to tongue block now.

The biggest issue I have so far tongue blocking (besides the bends :) ) is that I cant get that 2 draw to sound the same way as opposed ot when I am puckering.

I saw the 2 draw FAQ and yes I understand it is connected to my tongue not being "out of the way" enough, but well it really is not because I am tongue blocking now. continue reading...