Ask Instructor David Barrett

I have unlocked "Blues for Big Nate". Is there a PDF with note notation available or should I try to learn by listening?

Hi

I have been practicing breathing into the harmonic but when I breathe into certain holes (1,2,3,4) it sounds like only hole 4 will play (even when I'm not tongue blocking). Does my harmonica need maintenance?

Hi There,

As I progress through the level 1 material, I find myself quite comfortable with the Tongue Block Study material. I can play the song all the way through, several times in a row - with no real issues. When it comes time to record however, I seem to begin to make mistakes - notes are missed, technique becomes sloppy - everything seems to fall apart. My question is this: When submitting our recording examples, what are aiming to achieve? Is it a perfect recital of the song (as per the recorded example), or is it a clear demonstration of the ability to tongue block?  continue reading...

Dave,

Im addicted to the Walkin' Talkin' Blues by Joe Hill Louis back in the 1950s. Im trying to tab it out by slowing it down and watching the bendometer light up. I think its in the key of A as that what seems to make the most sense when I watch the Bendometer. For some reason I cant find the sheet music which would help me, and improve my accuracy. Any suggestions where this sheet music could be found? Any other general suggestions that I should follow to learn to play some of these old classics.

Hi David

Working through Theory 3, Section 3

Im looking at the Domenant 7th Chord and Im confused.  I see where we put the flat 7th in place of the F# in the Major.  I dont understand where you identify this as a Minor 3rd.  Can you explain?

Gary

Hi David

Still working on scales and have a question.  Is this an issue for the ear or the mind.  Im learning the pentatonic scales and find Im feeling it in both ear and mustle memory.  But if I were to think about it as working up the G scale for example and omitting the 4th and the 7th Id have problems.  

Same with the Blues scale.  I can play it by ear somewhat but could not recite the notes to anyone.

Im bettiing that I had better have both skills.

gary 

Hi David, 

I've been practicing trying to bend for some time now, and I really can't bend holes 2 and 3 on any harmonica. I mean I can change the pitch if I struggle and it sounds horrible and not at all like a musical note. I don't know how else to approach it is there any more material on this besides Bending Study 1 that I can look at? Holes 4, 5, 6, and 1 i can bend but 1 because i'm puckering it. 

Thanks a lot, 

Mercedes

HI DAVID. 

TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE INSTUCTIONS FOR ACCOMPANIMENT TESTING FOR LOA 4. Is there a segment with ryan walker showing what you are looking for as an example for the test assignment to be submitted. Or can u provide more clarification please 

thanks

I'm working on Minor Mambo, Chorus 4. I'm getting the "oodle laddle laddle" up to speed. (Probably at 70% or so, right now...)

On the IV, there's an oodle laddle 4' 3 2 (pull) 2. 

What is your embouchure over the IV chord? Are you puckering the entire thing? I'm trying to switch to tongue block for the 4' 3 2 (pull) 2 part, and it's a tough switch at speed.

How long does it take you to respond to test submissions? I submitted my level 1 test 10/29/18 and haven't heard anything from you. I'm wondering if my files were actually submitted successfully.... I see evidence of my payment, but can't find anything on file submissions.