Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello Mr. Barrett

For levels of achievement for example level 1, there is a song called walk with me in the key of E harmonica. can i use another key to record that song? because i dont own an E harmonica.

Dave, Am I missing something in my learning if I substitute 3+ for 2 draws where it helps me to have enough breath?  I'm working on Gary's Blues and in the 3rd chorus I just run out of air if I don't exhale more before the long vibratos and shakes.  If the 2 draws aren't bent, are 3+'s generally okay in their place?  Or another suggestion?  Thanks

Hi David, continue reading...

HI I've trouble to make bending on my harmonica "C".-

please.. can you explain me in detail how the song is going on?.. 

thanks.-

mitchell.

Hi David!

I'm working on study 1 for chromatic, which I had never played before, and I think I need some clarifications.

1) I'm not sure about the "degree" of embouchure I should use. Let me try to explain: should the lips enclose the facing plate and not much more, i.ie. lay on the front of the cover plates, right passed the face plate, or should they entail more and lay further away on the cover plates, similar to the diatonic embouchure, although much wider. continue reading...

Hello Mr. Barrett.

I am kind of new to harmonica. i have been playing guitar. mostly i like folk songs.

i wish to play some bob dylan songs.which i can with guitar also. (i just got a harmonica rack)

first of all which keys of harmonicas needed for his songs ? i own A,C and G.

and can you please share tabs of some of his songs ?

thank you.

Hi David,

In Tongue Blocking Study One, in you had us tongue switch between the one hole and the four hole.  Now I am working on chorus 2 of "Walk With Me".  In order to accrss the one hole you are suggesting tongue switching from three hole position to access the one hole.  

Is my undrstanding correct?  Is this a descrepency?

Thanks

Hey David,

I've started working on bending study 2. The study song calls for a 3''. I seem to recall you mentioning in the video to go as low as possible. I notice that when I go for 'full depth', I'm consistently bending all the way down to 3'''. At this level, should I spend effort getting precisely to the 3'' or should I accept 3''' until I reach a higher LOA where bending work focuses more on precision and control?

Thanks!

-Alex

Hi David,

Firstly, sorry to over analyse this... You have said from the beginning of the lessons that we should be playing softly... well, is there a way I can tell objectively whether I'm playing loudly or softly? I have nothing to compare to, since I don't know any other harp players in person. continue reading...

Hello, continue reading...