Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David:

I recently saw on one of Ryan's lessons that you gave him some jam tracks that you recommend. I can't remember what they were and can't find which lesson it was on again. Would you mind letting me know what your recommendation is for jam tracks? Thank you.

Erik

Hi David

I know it’s a common question but searching through the forum I couldn’t find the exact answers, I can bend most of the notes now but have problems bending to a note on demand except the lowest step bend, and also hole 3 is like trying to suck a potato through a drinking straw which causes a lot of air hissing sounds , just wondering if I’m doing something wrong.

Thanks Roger 

Hi, David. Hope all is well.

I mostly use Sp20s in G, A, and C that I bought at a real good price in a set. I also have a Marine Band in C and a Manji in A. I am curious about trying out other brands, models and keys but really also want to compare apples to apples. My question is premised on the key that will be most used by blues players. I assume that is A, but perhaps I'm wrong. 

So, my question is this: What is the best key to buy in order to compare different harps?

I am a bit confused over how to combine both holes with a draw or pull etc. When I am using hole 1 my tongue is over to the right and for hole 2 it's over to the left. So I now have a problem doing both holes at the same time.

David two things i cant get the flow right with these pieces in solo harmonica 1 and 2, how do i achieve this, secondly ive downloaded audacity, but when i try to download lame mp3 encoader, i get as far as the download page and when i try to download it the page cant be found, ive asked friends who are better at computer problems, buy they are having the same problem. if you can help that would be great thanks

Hi David! I am brand new to this site and the harmonica. I have just begun the first level of achievement and it mentions an A harmonica is needed. However, I only have a C harmonica. Would those excercises still work? 

Cheers, 

Carla

David,

i trust you are well.

is Max from Bluexlab a good contact when it comes to cases?

and is there others I should consider?

thanka a lot! 

Best, Erin André

Hi David,

I am a complete beginner.  I can play a single note 4 blow, but I can’t move up to a single note 5 blow.  I can only do it by taking my tongue off the harmonica and then moving up and putting my tongue back on the harmonica.  How do I do this properly?  

Regards

Lee

Hiya David,

So I'm a pretty new player and I'm still working out my style between tongue blocking and puckering. So I kinda have a preference towards tongue blocking but there are things I just can't figure out how to do with that technique.

So specifically what I mean is this. Tomlin has this chugging video where he teaches something that goes like this '2 draw into 123 draw, 2 blow into 123 blow, 1 draw into 123draw, 2 blow into 123 blow' ( if I make 0 sense and you wana see the original : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyF0Id0s86I ). continue reading...

Hi Dave. Really liking this site ! I'm not sure if it's me the harmonica or both. I can't seem to get the sound that I want playing my diatonic. For example. Blues for yesterday Charlie Musselwhite. Sad sad day Muddy Waters. She tried to ruin me snooky Pryor. What is it they're doing or playing that makes that sound?. Are they playing a chromatic?. I just don't know. But I'm sure you do. Thanks Luke