Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dave - Regarding bending. Im better at it if I just use the pucker technique without tongue blocking. My understanding is that many harmonica players use a combination of tongue blocking and the pucker technique particularly when it comes to bending. I also can visualize the bend better if the tip of the tongue comes off the harmonica and is drawn back with the tip remaining down below the bottom teeth. continue reading...

Hi David:

came across octaves in the strut. which lesson and instruction covers octaves. i cant seem to find it.

Excited for the new series! Thanks for doing it. Is the Audix Fireball on the docket for review? I  think it’s a moderately popular choice for newer players. I’ve got one that I bought early in my playing, and I’m pretty wishy-washy on it. I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

HI David,

 You probably have answered this question 1000 times but here goes:

 I am working on "The Strut".  Using the TB embouchure I can make the 2 hole full step bend and the one hole half step bend on the D harmonica.  However I cannot make those bends on my G harmonica.

 Is that common with beginners?  Do issues like that go away as my benidng becomes stronger?

 Thanks

In example 1.6 we are to fill in scale degrees based on C major scale in place of pitch names including bends. Some of that would be unknown to me. For example on Hole 1 =  1 Blow would be C Scale degree 1. 1 Draw would be D Scale degree 2. 1 Draw bent 1/2 step would be Db, but what scale degree is that - 1 1/2??  Also I am guessing that  on the Whole Step Bend line holes 2 & 3 would be degrees 4 (F) and hole 3 would be degree 6 (A)

David Hi

Working on my solo harmonica exercises I realised that I was playing the 3rd and 4th measure as I was hearing it (I think) and not as written (2 3 4 5+ 6+ 5 5+ 4 with pulls). As usual when in doubt I referred to the lesson with Ryan. In that video you pointed out that there is a change in the 4th measure so that accounted for what I was hearing and matched what I have been playing rather than what is noted in the PDF. I rather like the change. Should I play as noted or as per your playing example.

Hey David,

I remember seeing something on the sith about playing over the Stormy Monday changes. That would come in handy right now but I can't find it.  How can I access it?

Thanks,

Tom

David Hi. Im working on study song The Split (really enjoying it) but wanted assurance that a draw pull rather than  a blow pull was not only acceptable to you but did not negatively change the tune. I am referring to chorus 1,2,7,8 measures 3 and 6. Also changing the draw pull to a blow pull in chorus 3 measures 5 and 6.  Whilst I can manage these last two measures I find the blow less of a tongue twister if I stick to blow pulls. continue reading...

Hi, i've seen your startup video for beginners and you said that all lessons was only for the "A" harmonica. I only got an "C" one and im just wondering if there is any other beginner lessons for "C" or what should i do?

Im new to instruments so I don't know sh*t. I Hope you understand my english.

Regards - Mikael

Good afternoon sir,

I am brand new at learning the harmonica, but have been spending some time practicing puckering for a single note rather than tongue blocking. I was hoping to see which is more perferred and why? I know this may be a really basic question, but all the lessons that I tried finding seem to be split on the two.

Thank you for your time

Very Respectfully,

Travis