Ask Instructor David Barrett

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.

David,

I'm selecting a song for LOA3, Accompaniment 3, Example 2.3, and was thinking of Used to Be My Baby, as I'm looking for something a bit faster and really love boogie woogie too. Is this a good fit for 2.3? Does this qualify as a 12-bar blues even though it's boogie woogie? Also, I can't seem to find accompanying sheet music for this mp3 recording. I can try to wing it but would rather have sheet music to know for certain what chord I'm supposed to play in.

Thanks in advance,

Ace

Hello David, 

Just wanted to let you know I got my badge, sorry for the Japanese post office screw up! I also have one more question, is Rollin Rhumba meant to be studied after passing 3rd level or would you advise " Buffet Line" before that. My bending is coming along well but I want to practice something faster than " Feelin for the Blues". Doing all my other studies also. 

Thanks for creating this great site!

Hello David

I’m on the beginning of the course, on Tongue Blocking study 1 and I’m not sure if I should still block holes 1,2,3 when blowing/drawing hole number 4 for the shake technique Ex 1.3 - Shake (Trill) and so for hole 5.

Thanks

Hello Mr Barret

I have bought a few Crossovers and noticed there were free 30 days lessons on your site. I hope I can use this code to have a free month? HNT1047138

Many Thanks, Johan 

Hello there. 

I'm very new to this site and I'm relatively new to the harmonica. 

I only have a C blue's Harp, but I'm having problems!

im not getting any tableture with the videos , so I can't join in nor understand what notes your speaking of, I click on the subject I,e ( homer sweet home) and im only getting the video. There doesn't seam to be any thing wrong with my phone nor my modem not the connection speed , can you please help thank you.

Regards Glynn (Mr G.M.Cooper)