Ask Instructor David Barrett

LOA 5 Original Instrumental - Is it OK if, for whatever reason, your song is done in this order: AAA, AAB, AF AF AT, AF AF B, AB/AC, then finish with AAA?  

Hi David:

i listen to your snare drum effect in which you emphasize the effect which gives a certain rythem. in addition, it is very light and your mouth is slightly off the harmonica. my recordings do not sound like your and your is so rythmic and cool. like you said like a snare drum. 

Can you point me to where either in the tongue block or soloing section or both which best describes the rythem and mouth position while chording.

thank you 

jim

Hey again David,

I think it was in one of the first videos that you mentioned that the daily practice routine should be structured for 1/3 theory/exercises and 2/3 learning songs. 

I'm in the middle of level 2 (LOA), and I can't really figure out which songs are there to learn.. Should I be patient? Are they coming soon?

Also, how should I construct my practice routine? Is it whatever lesson I learn - go through it until I make it perfect? Going over scales? 

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Hey David, 

Just finished watching the instruction videos for this lesson, and downloaded the mp3s. 

I really don't understand what should I be doing there.. 

I mean I get the theory, where to use fills, where to play soft, horn like etc. 

But not really sure what to play. 

Am I missing something ? 

Thank you  

I am going on a 3 month backpacking trip so I have a couple of questions . I am leaving March 19 so should I just cancel my lessons until I return ? Do you suggest I pack a harmonica ( which key ) and play whenever I have a minute? I have been studing loa 4 I want you with me and the buffet line  (which I have been enjoying ) what and how do you suggest I play or keep practing ? Thank you so much its been the best . I have a month to figure out what I need or should do? 

Hello David:

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Hi David. I'm working on Level 2 and have diverted temporarily into the Level 4 material ( Improvising Study 1) per your suggestion. In EX. 2.1, the last 2 notes are written as +3, +3 and as you state in your video, you play them as 2,2. I've been experimenting a little and find that the sequence +3,2 is a combination that really "gets it". I think it's because the slap on the last note involves the 1,2 draw instead of repeating the 1,2,3 blow. continue reading...

Hi, Dave.  I'm almost ready to graduate from LOA 1, after almost 4 months.  But I have a setback and I'd like some advice.  I bought a Bb Crossover Marine Band so I could play to the TB Ex 4 The Split Jam Track, and I cannot get any sound out of the 8 and 9 holes, primarily draw, no matter how I position my mouth and no matter how softly I draw.  So I'm doing something wrong and I know it's not the harmonica, though I can get those notes from my C (Fender Blues deVille) and my A (Crrossover Marine Band).  Can you point to me to one of the lessons on the web site so continue reading...

Hello David, My name is Ed de Groot and I live in Holland (The Netherlands) I am studying for 1,5 year now and Thomas Toussaint advised me to join your study program. Thomas is my very example because he has a great band in Holland and playes terrific Mondharmonica. continue reading...

Hi David,

In the first chromatic lesson you said that the chromatic is only played with tongue blocking, never with a pucker.  I was wondering why?

Thanks