Ask Instructor David Barrett

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...

I've really enjoyed the amp reviews so far.  Very interesting and eye opening.  I love the setting suggestions!

Is there a plan to review the Pro Junior?  That's the one amp I'm most curious about.

Can you please remind me which lesson explains the pulls?  Thanks

Hi David

I have a wish to learn to use the harmonica. Now I bought a harmonica but I guess I was not instructed properly as I bought one in C. The beginners lessons are in A. How can I go about this?

Thanks

Mireille from Amsterdam

Im working on Accompaniment Study in Section 4 and see in 7th bar of the second Verse a Bb/Db(c#) shake.  Help me out there.  A shake from a bend seems like something we have not covered.  In fact a Db appears to be an overbend off the 5 blow or something.  Please help.

Gary

Hello, 

     I find it easier to "switch" my toungue to block holes 1-3 rather than have part of my mouth off the harmonica.  Do you think this is a sound technique or should I tey to get used to maintaining the embouchure with part of my mouth off the harmonica? 

Thanks, 

     Mike