Ask Instructor David Barrett

I bought this amp about a year ago and I was waiting to see the review.  I own a Kalamazoo and the harp train.  I have Been playing for 2years.  For me personally I don’t Like the way the Harp train sounds, but was unable identify what I dIdnt like. My description is that it gave a hollow sound.  At my current ability level I always choose to play my Kalamazoo.  Just thought I would share my thoughts.  

Repertoire / Study songs

David. From the study song up to the end of level 3 and including Strut and Gary's blues should I be able to play them from memory or from the PDF when I submit them to you. Also which ones or all should I  go over once a week ?  I see that songs like I want you with me and others have more than one version so those probably should be played off of the PDF's. continue reading...

Hi David

I am doing level 1 at the moment - have been doing so for about 6 weeks?!

I notice that for me, the 2 hole is very difficault to get a pure sound - especialy 2 draw. I don't seem to be able to close lips around harmonica to seal it - as it is too close to edge. Is this common? Can you point me to any tips please?

Thanks in advance :)

I feel like I just about have the solo harmonica requirements dialed in.  I plan to start recording next week.  That tends to take awhile as I seem to forget my name the second I hit record - so it takes a few (50+) takes to get it right.  Of course there is the rhythm part which I struggle with as well.  But I practice everyday as you suggested.  Triplets will be the death of me.

Now on to the bending.  I can bend every note.

4 - no problem, 5 - no problem continue reading...

Hi,

When I want to repeat the same note in tongue blocking, I lock the air somewhere in my throat and release it.

I tried to do Ta-Ta-Ta or Ta-Ka-Ta-Ka but this doesn't fit well with tongue blocking.

What do you suggest for articulating on the same note in tongue blocking ?

Thanks

Bod

Hello Dave,  I am studying The Big One, LOA#7.  Great song, esp with the switch to the diatonic.  Problem: 4th chorus , bar 10, I always end up one note behind.  I can play bar 8, however, in bar 9, you are on the one draw and I am on the 3 draw.  What am I missing?  Mic

Hi David,

Do you require just one verse of each of the above to the backing track Used To Be My Baby?

cheers

Greg

Hi,

I'm working on blow bending.

1) Are there any study songs for 2nd or 3rd position that use this outside of the overbend series?

2) Any more tips for getting the 10 bend? I have almost full control on 8 and 9, but when it comes to 10... I can bend it down some of the time (e.g. Blowin' The Blues chorus 5) but I can't start in the bend (chorus 6) or dip it. continue reading...

Dear teacher

question 1 ( lesson section )

in Exercise 6.2, it is written (Notated below is our Eb Alto Saxophone song example from Music Theory Study 1). I see only one flat in the left margin. I deduce that this is for F and not for Eb. in the answer section, the first scale degree is F. I am a little confused about Eb in the description of the exercise.

Question 2 ( LOA section ) 

in exercise 6.3  I just want to know if I need to transpose the song to G major or Mixolydian? I think its Mixolydian

thank you

Hi David,

I'm currently working on L.O.A.6 Accompaniment Playing Study 6 Horn Lines & Organ Padding, Section 2 Long Tones/Organ Padding Example 2.1.

I understand that the 2draw 5draw octave is the Root & Flat 7th of the I Chord, likewise the 2blow and 5blow octave is the 3rd of the IV Chord as you mention. You then go on to say that the 1blow and 4blow octave is the flat 7th of the V Chord. Apologies I don't understand that? 1blow 4 blow is a C octave which is surely the root note of the IV Chord. I'm assuming all is relevant to 2nd position, key of G mix. continue reading...