Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I’ve been a member here for over 8 years, and have played in bands for a lot of that time.

For the last 2 years I’ve played in a Chicago-style quartet, where I’ve shared the front-man role, leading about 50% of the songs, and accompanying the rest.

This is a weekend warrior type of band, with weekly rehearsals and 15-20 gigs per year.

For the material I lead I have usually found a recording to copy, or have put together something from various sources (including my own inspiration). It’s a similar story with the accompaniment.

  continue reading...

Hi David

When we submit study songs do they have to be 100% perfect for you to listen to them or can we submit a song when we think we have the hang of it and await your feedback for where we are going wrong

thanks 

Hi David

When we submit study songs do they have to be 100% perfect for you to listen to them or can we submit a song when we think we have the hang of it and await your feedback for where we are going wrong

thanks 

Hello David;

 I see in LOA level 3 we'll be exploring blues chromatic basics, and I have been looking at the CX-12 and the 270 Deluxe which are both nearly the same in price at RR's. Would one be preferable as a first chromatic?

Thanks,

Greg

 Because I am not good at using English.

 I can use dictionary but It have to be after I heard words. I often cannot heard words.

 If I cannot have subtitles, I hope to choose the videos slow down. I know it's not easy, so I'll do study happily. thank you for your lessons.

Hi there.

A non-harmonica related question: what equipment do you use to record your lessons?

Looking for good options to both record myself when practicing and my band...

thanks!

David Hi continue reading...

G'day David. Although I have been "playing" for about 4 years I'm completely new to tongue blocking and I'm finding it not quite as difficult as I thought it might be. My question involves "learning" a piece such as Walk with Me. When do you consider the piece has been learned? Is it when the piece can be played competently from the sheet music or when it has been committed to memory? I have always followed the latter but since Walk with Me is the first study I would be a bit surprised if a student picking up a harp for the first time would manage that a week into learning music/harp. continue reading...

Is it easier to learn bending via lip pursing or tongue blocking, or does it matter?

Hi David

As a beginner in playing blues, this is the first course I have considered which I discovered on a label found inside my Hohner Crossover box.

I started the pucker technique playing melodies 6 months ago on my first diatonic harmonica, as I used to play a chromatic with the tongue block years ago as holes were bigger and easier to tongue block but  found pucker easier on the diatonic,  but now realising I should have stuck with the tongue block. continue reading...