Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David, 

Two quick questions that I'd love to get your input on.

I find ever since switching to tongue bending that I tend to place the harmonica at a bit of an angle to the right side of my face, horizontal angle that is. It seems as if I just play a bit better with less leak and what not with it slightly pressed against the right side of my face. Particulary on draw notes as the mouth tends to tense up more for me currently. Is this a bad habit in playing that should be addressed or something that is more typical?  continue reading...

Hi David

Ive wrapped up all the study songs through level 5 and want to spend time learning to imrovise.  As an old band guy improvising was not a skill I leanred.

I see the AAA chorus form and want to play ith with the jam track.  Im am now a bit confused.

1. How is it that these 4 , 2 and 1 bar liks fit accross the I, IV and V chords?  

2. Is the intent here that the 4, 2 and 1 bar licks fit accross the 2 bar IV chord and 1 bar V chord of the progression?  

Im sure Im missing something fundemental here.  Thanks

  continue reading...

Hi David,

I am thinking of starting to learn a second instrument (piano keyboard) in parallel to my harp playing.

Do you think it's a good idea or should I wait until my harp playing is more sound. Would appreciate your advise in case you have similar experinece.

Thank you

Erhard

I have my MP3 files ready to go on my mac.  How do i submit them?  Can I email the folder to you?  I am a bit confused on this.

Caitlin Martin

Hi David!

Thanks for the music theory studies! I now have a better understanding of music than I have ever had before. But I have a small clarifying question;

When I hear a musician speaking of going up (or down), say a 5th, are they speaking then, of going up the scale to that next key? Say, from C going up to the G scale on their cording? (I recently watched a documentary on the making of an album by Cream, and I heard that mentioned a few times.)

David,  continue reading...

David, 

I’m currently working on LOA3 and hope to finish it by summers end. I have a set of Sp20s in G, A and C. Will I need any new keys in the near future, say for LOA4 or LOA5?  Also, what would constitute a full set for a non performer? Will I need or should I get any other keys? 

Thenls in advance, 

Ace 

Hello David, 

I had a question about what you would recommend as the most effective method of cleaning and maintaining a Hohner Marine Band harmonica. I’ve been playing it about an hour a day for the last four months and it may not be due for cleaning quite yet but I imagine it will soon. 

I’ve watched a couple videos on how to clean a harmonica that involve taking it apart but the screws on the cover plate are microscopic and the grooves are too small even for an exacto knife to unscrew them.  continue reading...

Hello David.

I'm looking at buying a delay pedal and have seen a old danelectro Dan echo for 50 pound .do you think it's worth buying something new or is it a good pedal

Hey, David, this is Jack Ferguson. I started learning the basics of the harmonica recently using your Levels of Achievement lessons. I have really enjoyed my time watching your videos. In addition to this, I have been following along with your lessons with Sharon. I'm posting today to ask more about how to structure my studies. Basically what I have been doing is watching the same videos over and over and playing when prompted to play by you. Its a little bit challenging getting experience from watching the videos so I was wondering what I should be doing my time to practice. continue reading...