Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

I have a problem with Solo Harmonica Study 1, Ex. 2.1, because of air leaking through my nose. I can play only two measures in a row and then I have to exhale. If I close my nose with my fingers, I can play 4 measures and even more easily.

I have read all your tips on closing the nose here in the forum, but nothing works for me when drawing more consecutive chords like in this piece. Would you advice an exercise to address and practice this particular problem?

Thank you very much,

Marek

Hi Dave,

I am working on the music theory section of the LOA-3 test, and I don't quite understand the task of the Ex. 2.1 chart that asks for hole numbers, and I'm not sure what lesson corresponds to it. Can you please clarify or point me in the right direction?

Thanks very much,

Pat

Hi David

For all the holes, except the one hole, i'm using tongue blocking. Puckering, if I'm doing that, works well for the one hole, and sets-up nicely for the 2 hole next. Is there a problem with that? If yes, any tip?

Michael

Hi David, 

Do you think LW is tongue blocking or puckering intro to Boom Boom?

I have hohner  silver star  10 holes key D harmonica so is it different than hohner silver star 10 holes key C harmonica? If yes then from which lesson should I start learning? And can you please tell me the difference between key C harmonica and Key D harmonica? Are they both different?

Hello Dave.  Just finished recording Study 4.  Tremendous.  I purchased "It Takes Three"  and listen to different songs daily to stimulate my practice sessions.   Do you have transcripts of the songs for purchase?     

Just receivd the transcrpts. " In Memory" was very moving and now I understand where your feeling came from.  If I ever memorize this, I don't think I would be able to play it with a dry eye...it will be a challenge to control my emotions.   Thanks for digging so deep.  Mic

Hi Dave, 

Do you think Little Walter is using some kind of different technique or accent when he starts out the intro to Boom Boom?

I've listened to it slowed down and played along at regular speed but my rendition does'nt sound quite right.  I was 

starting off with the 4 hole draw, then 4 blow for first two notes, but it seems he's doing more.  What do you think?

Hello David, 

A while back I never thought I could bend.  Now I am able to bend most notes.  I can get full note bends as practice while straining with the tongue etc, but working on the "feeling the blues" practice song I can only bend the half tones in tempo but can not seem to get lower than that.  Is this a matter of time?  Head you say on one lesson such mastery can take years.  Or, am I perhaps using bad technique?   continue reading...

David,  

Going throught the first accompaniment videos and listened to the explanation of "hook" with the track of dimples.  Is dimples on an MP3 on the website?  I looked but couldn't find it.  Would love to play along with it!

+Peace

Andy

Hello David,

Does Bluesharmonica.com or School of Blues sell any apparel?

I'm interested in seeing if you sell logo polo shirts or bowling shirts like I've seen you wear in your videos.

Brett W. Mallard