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Ask Instructor David Barrett

Ask head instructor David Barrett questions regarding your lessons at BluesHarmonica.com

Volume and Gain

Posted Sat, 09/16/2017 - 19:56 by PM42
PM42's picture

Hi David,

When testing amps with knobs for both volume and gain, is there a reliable rule of thumb for where to set them in order to get closer to the blues harp sound we want? I was playing through a few in a music store today, and it seemed like high gain, low volume was most reliable, but I'm not sure why that was the case or if it is a consistent pattern. 

 

Thanks. 

  • 7 comments

Low Rider

Posted Wed, 09/13/2017 - 04:05 by MohaTheMountain
MohaTheMountain's picture

Hello Sir ,

I'm still new to Harmonica world and i truly love this little instrument .

I have been member here for few days .

i need your help with this song ( Low Rider ) . i need the tabs for this song ( music sheet )

my friends ask me to play it so bad and i don't want disappoint them , so please can you help me i need the full song sheet music or tabs ,

Thanks so much Sir

Have a nice day .

Moha

  • 2 comments

Licks vs Songs

Posted Tue, 09/12/2017 - 09:52 by Curryjb
Curryjb's picture

David, i have a "performance questio...i have about 5 songs I am currently working on. A couple of big Walter tunes & "my blues"...which has become my favorite.

im also working on 3-4 improv licks using some scale sequencing & lick ex. You have applying the chorus forms.

my question is, how do you effectively play licks for an "audience" ie: patio, pool, etc....when not using a backing track?...the chugs (Gussow) (Tomlin) just don't come off as well acoustically.... continue reading...

  • 5 comments

Walk with Me

Posted Mon, 09/11/2017 - 19:33 by jaykgriffin@gma...
jaykgriffin@gmail.com's picture

Hi David,

In the fourth chorus of "Walk with Me," what does the squiggle between draw 3 and draw 4 mean (first two notes, then repeated again later)? I couldn't find it in your notation key.

Thanks,

Jay

 

  • 1 comment

Hi, is it me first lisson

Posted Tue, 09/05/2017 - 19:49 by F.Alexander
F.Alexander's picture

Hi

I am Alexander Salamanca

i am from Capital city Bogotá, Colombia

my english is very regular...

But

mi interes in this program or Class interactive of colors es muy genial

espero con ansias poder aprovechar de cada lección en esta 

con tan exelent contenido y referencias de expertos apacionados que 

espero púeda aprender de ustedes; 

Thank you very much for your attention

Feliz día.

  • 1 comment

Recommended Chromatic harmonica types

Posted Tue, 09/05/2017 - 01:37 by Laszlo Konyeczki
Laszlo Konyeczki's picture

Hello David,

Unfortunately the recommended chromatic Hohner Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe is not available anymore.

It is not produced in the future according my favourite musical instrument web store.

There are other models C48 or C64 available.

 

What type would you recommend for learning which sounds good and easy to play?

 

Best regards, Laszlo

 

 

  • 3 comments

Acc study 5 - hole changes with the 7th cord

Posted Mon, 09/04/2017 - 16:58 by baruch.friedman...
baruch.friedman@medstar.net's picture

Dave in exploring holes 1 & 2 with the 7ths , in example 2.2 playing hole #1 in the 12 bar blues - shouldnt it start with a 1 draw for the first cord (note D) instead of what is listed as a 2 draw (note G)  which would be for hole # 2?

  • 1 comment

Low keyed harp

Posted Mon, 09/04/2017 - 12:13 by dsaccucci
dsaccucci's picture

Hello David,  after passing level 4 I picked up,a low f and have been working through the Sonny's Bird song.   I really like the sound of the low key.  I also really enjoy Dennis Gruenlings use of low keyed harps.  If I was to pick up another low keyed harp which one do think I would get the most use from?  

 

Thank you

 

David Saccucci

  • 2 comments

Safe Bet Amp?

Posted Mon, 09/04/2017 - 08:19 by PM42
PM42's picture

Is there such a thing?

As I begin to work on my skills at playing amplified, I'm thinking that it might be wise to get an amp and mic combo that I know works fairly well for harp... that way if it sounds like crap I know it is my fault and my technique needs work! I figure I'll get a bullitini, but I'm wondering if folks have suggestions for a safe bet amp that isn't too expensive. I'm not sure I'm ready to pay for a Memphis Mini, and I don't trust myself enough yet to evaluate old amps. Maybe the 5-watt Fender Champ (which is the vibro xd, correct?)?

  • 10 comments

train imitation speed practice?

Posted Mon, 09/04/2017 - 06:47 by hannes
hannes's picture

Hi David,

I started working on Joe Filisko's train imitation study 1. I practice the patterns with a metronome in 3rd gear, and whenever I can do it for 5 min. at a certain speed without "tripping up" I will take it up a notch. It will take me several months to get this up to speed, which I don't mind. But I was wondering if there are other / better ways to practice this?

thanks

Hannes

  • 6 comments
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