Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

Hope all is well. Re SS 1.5, I see that it is notated as 76BPM. Is this a requirement or can I submit at a slower rate, such as 65 or 70BPM? I ask because I'm finding the metronome challenging in itself, let alone at 76BPM. In all the previous submissions you state that speed is not an issue so I thought I'd ask. It's OK if I need 76BPM, but it'll just take me a bit longer to finish this level. 

Thanks in advance,

RV

Not a question. Just wanted to thank you "publicly," and to encourage others on the site.

Before I came upon BluesHarmonica.com (nine years ago!), I had been fooling around with harmonica for a year or two, mostly at home and in the car (to the horror of family members and passengers), and had used some books and various online instructions, enjoying playing but not advancing appreciably in ability.

The thought of ever playing in public, or even with "real musicians" had not seriously crossed my mind. continue reading...

exist lessons in spanish?

Hi david 

tried to submit the mp-3's and music theory pdf for LOA 4 test submission and i received a message that the site was nto availabe. please assist

I've been working on a good cup and the contrast of a open and closed hand but somehow I can't feel my way through coordinating it with the grove that Im playing. Is there a philosophy (Trick) behind this.

Im not particularly talking about the wa wa in your song  Quiet World, but all the other hand control that you use in any song when your playing acoustical. I realize how important it is and its badly missing in my playing. continue reading...

Hi Mr.Barrett my tongue blocking practicing is going ok except moving from 6 draw to 7 draw.. Having difficulty sounding the 7 draw.. But I'm being patient and I'll get it.. I enjoy your lessons. I'm doing levels of achievement.. Want to learn properly, and am patient.. Thanks Richard Dunn

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? 

  continue reading...

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