Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David, continue reading...

Hello David

I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction for doing some background reading/research into what goes into distinguishing the different rhythms commonly used in blues music - shuffle, swing, rumba etc.

I'm at the stage now where I can "feel" the beat/rhythm of the 12-bar blues and play along (most of the time) without having to count every single beat, and can hear that the rhythms are different, but if I listen to a backing track or any given blues song without looking, I have no idea which of the above it is. continue reading...

Hi David!

Thanks a lot for all the great material you are providing, your site is of great help in my harmonica studies :) however, after playing most days a little for a few months, my tremolo still sounds terrible. I am able to do tremolo on blow and draw and with different tempo, but it sounds rather mecanic, not like a sine wave but rather like the air is coming out of the harmonica in regular puffs. I don't now if you get what I mean here, but I'd love some advice/exercises to help improving the technique!

Best,Ellen

Hello David, a new and i hope interesting question.I always sound like im playing pop music....not your study songs but when i play other tunes .I can hit bends but i just dont sound like im playing blues.So i have been tightening the embrochure on the whole tune to get  a more minor 3rd sound..if this makes sense.

But i dont think this is gonna help my tone playing tighter. I hear others play improv and the whole riff sounds just so blue but mine sounds like pop music with a three draw half step.  continue reading...

Dave,

  continue reading...

Hi David,

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but here goes.  continue reading...

Hello, I am looking for the example songs,

Dimples, house party, left overs, got my mojó working, feeling good and it takes three?

can't find them anywhere.

thank you.

Hello David - When playing the second line on 3rd Chours with the 3+3+3+3+3+3+3+2 1 1 When I get to the 1,1, my transition is not good and wanted to know if you have any suggestions.

Hi David,

I keep hearing about the 3 'positions' which can be used on the harmonica, the latest being in the interview you did with Charlie McCoy where he reveals that he plays mainly in second position. Is there anywhere on the site which clearly explains the 'positions' as I'm not quite understanding what they are all about?

Thanks,

Mark.

Hi David,  I came across this pdf, Essential Blues Harmonica Listening - 5th Edition, from the Harmonica Masterclass Company.  The link for updates directs me to the Blues Harmonica website. I was wondering if the list is still kept up-to-date and if so where I can find it on the site.  It is a great resource.

Thx,

Bob