Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

Up to now, I've approached the LOA studies mostly in their given order. In LOA4, though, I think I want to start on Improvising Study 1, even though this is 6th in the LOA4 order. Is this OK, or should I start from the begining? Does it matter? 

Hello David,

I've begun TBS2.7, Buffet Line, and in the second video (Chorus One) you state that the head actually begins on the "uh" of beat 3. In my previous metronome study, though, you seemed to describe this as the "and" instead. Are they interchangeable terms or am I missunderstanding something? 

Thanks in advance. 

I just subscribed today and I'm looking forward to all this. Bought a couple harps in A and I've got a mic and software, so I'm good to go!

I have some questions about submissions and fees, though. First I notice it says you can submit anything anytime you want for free.  But for an LOA there's a fee.  What do the free submissions actually do for you?  Do you just give feedback on them or something?   continue reading...

Hi David,

In LOA 4 Tongue Blocking Study 3 - Exercises MP3, at 01:43 to 01:45 there is what sounds like a Db note during the flutter. Where is that coming from? Are you not using a G harp?

Hi David

Playing LOA3 Accompaniment, playing holes 2,3 and 5 where there are missing notes does it matter what notes I replace them with as in up or down a note, this is the bit my brain is not quite understanding.

thanks 

Roger

Hi David,

I've been playing for some 2/3 years now and I initially started with a pucker, then moved to what I thought was tongue blocking, but turned out to be U blocking. I can do all draw bends, most of blow bends and some overblows plus some throat vibrato using this technique. I'm also able to do 4 hole octaves and 5 hole octaves (in the middle +upper register) changing my embouchure to tongue blocking and moving one hole down.  continue reading...

Hi!  I am trying to upload a recording of me playing Temperature but get the message that the file is too big.  I tried zipping it but got the message that it cannot accept zipped files.  What's the best procedure to use?  Betty Palm

Hello David,

In the study song " Rollin Rhumba" Chorus 3 bar 9 starting with draw 6 I hear slight variations of pitch and also at the end of the draw 4 And other places through out the song. My question is are you achieving that sound by using the vibrato technique. I took a quick peak at the vibrato video and you said not to attempt vibrato till you have your bending fairly well mastered, right? 

Whateverthat technique is is awesome sounding!

Thanks 

Sanshinboi

Hi David. I generally have success with most techniques so far, and my bending is coming along slowly, but with octaves and other splits I am struggling. I've tried just moving my tongue one hole to the right and using a light touch, but I find that when I do have success, when I remove the harp from my mouth in front of a mirror, I realize I have been using the underside tip of my tongue. I've practiced a lot with the TBT and it seems ok, but when I move to the harp, it's again the underside tip of tongue that I ultimately have success with. Do you have a suggestion? continue reading...

David,

I purchased a blues band harmonica it is a C note. The guy at the music store told me it was a good harmonica to get started on. I noticed you are recommending a A note Marine band. Should I go back to the store and purchase one? Hope they aren't expensive.