Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I'm finding that I'm not very good at hand writing out music even though I know how to read it.  I'm wondering if there is any software that might make it easier to write out and read & catch my mistakes as I make them.  Do you have any recommendations on that?

Thanks!

David,

In the introductory instructions to IS1 you state we well "need a B-flat Harmonica for this study" but then ask us to play the lick to any 12-bar jam track we choose. I'm a bit confused here. Are we supposed to play a Bb harp to a jam track in the key of A or did I miss something in the instructions? 

Thanks in advance. 

Hello,

First, I would like to say that I am enjoying the learning process in this site a lot. The materials and videos are great, everything is very well explained.

I am going through the exercises in level 1 and I noticed that bending and slaps techniques are required in some of them. (solo- bass lines, movement exp. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.) should I practice them without using the bending technique? Just drawing those notes?

Thank you, shany

Can I reverse the hold on the harmonica, I am lefty and it feels more natural to hold the harp with my right hand and cup with my left.

G'day David,

First up, a quick thank you for the lessons - definitely the best structured learning out there and a great community here at bluesharmonica.

I was watching a YT video the other day, where the player was doing a -4'-5 chord, starting bent, and then releasing the bend and continuing to play. My question is this - is it possible to do the -4'-5 chord using the tongue block method? I can do it using the pucker, but I'm really struggling get it TB'd (I tongue block everything else, exclusively, and I'm reasonably comfortable on all the bends from 1-4 using tb). continue reading...

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