Ask Instructor David Barrett

Thank you in advance and also my apology for the followng,

Example 4.6.

If there is a b flat sign at the begining of the ledger, and a Chord does that reads as c flat?

Best.

Hi David,

You explain the use of articulations for fast licks in chorus 4. Does it apply for slower licks, with eight notes, as in chorus 1 for instance? Or in that case is it maybe preferable to use the diaphragm? Feels a bit more difficult to do so but sounds a bit better I think, articulations make it kinda harsh.

You asked for A harp for this study but the music sheet is in C major. You even put a C major note layout in Ex. 1.6.  I checked you recording, it is indeed for A harp. It is very awkward for me to follow. Is there a reason for that?  Thanks 

Hi David,

This is gonna sound very cheeky, but, is there a backing track somewhere for the above? I'm working on Accompaniment playing study 6 and was hoping to be able to record myself doing all three parts, as per your demo.

Thanks,

Graham

Hi David,

Got any tips when it comes to switching between Chromatic and Diatonic in both directions with mic?

I'm working on "The Big One" ie the 5th and final Chromatic lesson. I've managed to get the switch acoustically but when holding the mic too, all hell sets in. Looking for a good way of dealing with this so that I don't end up throwing the harps across the room accidentally. =:0

Thanks,

Graham

David,

Do you have a tentative schedule of any Workshops you would be hosting or participating in during 2024?

I would love to plan to get on my schedule!

Thanks.

Hello David,

I hope you are keeping well.

I have started to delve into chromatic harmonica again, after a few years of mostly playing diatonic.  I thought I would begin again by starting with lesson one, No Sweat, as a refresher. 

You mention in the videos that, as with diatonic, the slap is the default way of playing single notes.  In listening to the recording of No Sweat, however, it is difficult to tell when you are slapping and which notes.  Also, the PDF does not indicate where to slap. continue reading...

Hello David

I was wondering if you could confirm my understanding of the triplet quarters, please.

Working on Chorus 3 of Gary's Blues, bar 4, I keep missing the beat on the triplet quarter at the end of the measure, so I've revisited Rhythm Training sections 6 and 13 on Triplets and Triplet Quarters to try and work out how to count it.

What I've come up with is: (1+a 2+a) for the half note, followed by (3+) for the rest, (a 4)(+a) for the two quarter notes of the triplet that are played as the pick-up into the next measure. 

Is that right?

Thanks Joel

Hello David!

I know there are many topics with this problem and I have also seen the video with the instructions regarding the 2 draw.I have an A and a C harmonica. Is it possible to make it on C and not on A? (both are hohner special 20 progressive).I would also like to ask you which harmonica i'll use for the first level of achievement. C harmonica or A? continue reading...

David,

I have a really hard time getting the 2 hole draw to sound on pitch without opening my nasal passage.  Two questions here:

1. What's wrong with opening my nasal passage here?  The pitch and tone sound better to me that way.

2. What's so special about the 2 hole?  It doesn't matter what key or make of harp I try.  It's always the 2 hole that gives me this problem.

Thanks,

Julian