Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I was wondering if the  technical level needed to play accuratly the artit study songs was related to the LOA which unlocked the songs.

I guess the answer is no since we can find some bends even in the first one for example. continue reading...

HI David, 

I have to ask what Im sure is an elementary question relative to Exercise 2.2 in Music Theory Sturdy 2.

I get the idea of lowerin the 7th a half step and can plot the resulting scales with heavy reference to the piano keyboard.

I am confused howerver when I try to translate that to a specific harp.  I had gotten the idea that when playing in second position the major 7th was really not on the harp (please confirm). continue reading...

Mr. Barrett:

Thank you for helping me.

While listening to movies, I often hear harmonica underneath the dialouge. Always there is haunting tone and beautiful control over volume.

I wish to develop those skills. My current practice includes 10-15 minutes playing scales to a metronome focusing continually lowering volume.  While I do this, I experiement with my embrouchure and cup trying to reach that haunting tone.   continue reading...

I'm on Level 3 and I've been working on "Feeling For the Blues"  for a few months.  I can play it reasonably well but my bending is weak.  The 3 draw and 4 draw bends I can do, but they're inconsistent, and the 2 draw whole step bend I am not able to do at all.  It could take a while for me to nail those bends, and I'm don't think I will gain anything by continueing to work on "Feeling for the Blues".  

What do you recommend?  Should on move on to Level 4 even though I have not perfected Level 3.

Thanks

I'm on Level 3 and I've been working on "Feeling For the Blues"  for a few months.  I can play it reasonably well but my bending is weak.  The 3 draw and 4 draw bends I can do, but they're inconsistent, and the 2 draw whole step bend I am not able to do at all.  It could take a while for me to nail those bends, and I'm don't think I will gain anything by continueing to work on "Feeling for the Blues".  

What do you recommend?  Should on move on to Level 4 even though I have not perfected Level 3.

Thanks

Hello Dave,  What is the general relationship between volume, tone and gain, specifically, when the volume is decreased by one (from 4.5 to 3.5) should the tone and gain also decrease by the same factor or some other combination.  Obviously, my "ears" are not sensitive enough to determine the difference in settings at this time since I am using a real amp for the first time.   The Laney 10 is great by too loud for my practice room and I cannot seem to get a good combination of lower volumn, tone and gain.  Any suggestions would help.  Thanks

I love this tune and you did an amazing job of loading this up with all the skill elements.  I have found this very difficult to get right, but am getting close technically (I find the last lick in the tune the most difficult with the bend followed by the full octive jump) .  I recorded myself today, played it back and said "yuck"....I've got to do better. continue reading...

David, 

I am working on level one and  have a Hohner Crossover and 8 draw is not working.  It was "stuck" or something and when I tried to free it up with a tooth pick, I think that I bent it too far or damaged it some other way.

Question:  Where do you recommend I purchase a set of replacement reed plates?

EddieKnoxville 

PS.  No relation to Johnny

PPS.  I LOVE your web site.  It shows a lot of thought and hard work and was just what I have been looking for.

  continue reading...

Hi David. I understand Mel Bay used to publish a book/CD package that you authored called Blues Harp Greats, that appears to be unavailable, but I did notice one in the background on the Laney Cub speaker change, recording, video. Do you have any copies available for purchase?

Hi David, with the bends in feelin for the blues which would you consider most acceptable:                                                       Sliding down to an almost on pitch bend or hitting the bend on pitch but with that little gap between the unbent and bent notes? I’m sure that sliding down to a bend in pitch is preferable to you, me and all your students. continue reading...