Ask Instructor David Barrett

In no Sweat Chorus 6, I'm finding it challenging at high speed tongoing from the draw 1 with tongue blocking to the right to the draw 2 with tongue blocking to the left.  It's much easier on the chromatic to just slide to the left of the harmonica on the draw one and keep your tongue to the left.  What do most pro chromatic players do?

Dear David,

I trust you are well! Many thanks for your course and the tip to start with tongue blocking right away. I think I will succeed.

But I have a quick one about that: Why shall I block three holes instead of just two ? Is that only for beginner training or will we stay with that througout the course? Many thanks!

Kindest regards, Erin André Wirz from good old Bavaria

Hello David,

I'm having trouble understanding what is required of this element of LOA8.

Using the C major scale, the hook that is to be used consists of a 6 blow (G) and a 5 draw (F) in a crotchet and quaver arrangement, first beat of the bar is a rest.

I understand that you require this hook to be used with a jam track in 2nd postion over 4off different example choruses (also 3rd position over 3 choruses) which I'm assuming would be for example:- AAA ABAC AAB AAA with fills?

If this is correct would I use a fragment of the lick to provide a fill? continue reading...

Hi David:

I was reviewing recording study 2 to watch you with 'Garage Band software. I have a few questions;

1) Do they have Garage Band for windows?

2) Does Garage Band change the Pitch and also slow the tempo?

3) if so the answers to 2 above is yes, then do you really need to get the ASD?

thanks

Jim

Hi David,

Thanks for introducing Sharon to the harmonica and to the website.  It's great to see another woman on Blues Harmonica.  I'm a woman who started harmonica about 15 months ago and am thoroughly enjoying it.  But I am surprised to see so few women players featured in your interviews.  Why aren't more women playing this great little instrument?

Hi David,

I practice 3 draw whole step bend. I already can do it good enough on the A harmonica, but struggle with the C one. I understand I have to get both intonation and tone quality rigt, but I can't do both in the same time for now. I can either play it with a good, long lasting tone and wrong or unstable intonation, or I can get intonation right, but then my tone is thin, ugly and short. continue reading...

Hi David,

I'm starting with the 6th chorus of the Take It Easy Now and I wonder, at which points am I supposed to exhale. Should I play everythng from the pickup at the 4th bar to the end of the 8th bar with one breath, or can I exhale somewhere, e.g. after the 2 draw in the 5th bar?

Thank you,

Marek

david, 

how Are ya? :)

my question, this time, is about licks involving holes 1 and 2 

while the 2 in bent whole step - something like born in Chicago. 

It seems impossible to me to switch side of the tongue and be efficient so I try

to pucker the 1 and tb the ”2. 

But it is very difficult. 

I manage to pucker everything but but that would miss the point. 

also, sound of note is nice and full but articulation on bent “2 sound muffled. 

any tips?

thanks

Hello David

I really do love this stuff and the journey is very rewarding.  My frustration is getting more hours to work your material.

Two questions come up in my mind in today's practice

1- We are working the 12 bar blues and it seems to follow a preductable chord progression.  When I listen to various blues artists only some of their work follows this.  What other blues varients are out there?  My wife who is not really into blues (so much) tells me all the music sounds alike.  Perspective please.. continue reading...

hey david,

new student here.  i worked with you in person for a while about 10 years ago in mountain view but moved back to NJ shortly after we started.  Just started really practicing again.   continue reading...