Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

In the accompaniment studyies 2 and 3 you focus on chords I, IV, and V. Why do you skip the II, III, VI, and VII? 

In the accomapniment study 2, you have a plot with sqares where each chord is repeated for several bars. Is there a rule how many times each chord has to be repeated, when chord change must happen, or a "form/sequence" that 12 bars should contain?  continue reading...

I am working on Gary's Blues and for whatever reason I have trouble with quick slaps on adjacent notes. On many measures such as measure 8 the quick 4 draw slap followed by 4+ slap is difficult for me to do those notes slapped and quickly. Unfortunately I have been glossing over the slap part and just playing the notes. Today I decided to stop the backing track and practice -4  4+ slapped and man do I have to go slow and careful. So slow that in order to play the song it would have to be at a very very slow tempo. The other problem spot with the same problem is 5th chorus 6th measure. continue reading...

Hi David; continue reading...

Hi!

To begin my course I need an harmonica in key of A, but I've just bought an harmonica in key of G. 

SO? 

I ordered a Matrix MR600 metronome from Amazon for $38 that appears to have all the features of the Wittner model that you illustrated, that seems to have been discontinued. It is very similar in all respects as far as I can tell. 

I'm very happy with the MR600.

Amazon did have what appears to be a similar Wittner for $58, but I went with the less expensive Matrix. It had quite a few positive reviews.

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?