Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David!

I was wondering why we never play the 3 draw on the draw chord (which I guess would then rather be called a two notes combination) in example 1.1 as opposed to study 2 ex 1.1 where we do.

My guess would be it's because the whole thing has more of a minor feel and the 3 draw is the major 3rd?

And then in study 3 ex 1.2, we play the draw chord both with and without the 3 draw, but there it could be just to add variaton?

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Hi David,

I've been working on Bombay Stroll, ideally I would prefer the original backing track for the song but obviously cannot use that without Aki's playing on it. I have found a jam track that I can use but the jam track isn't long enough to accomodate the whole song. It ends two choruses plus head repeat(ending) short.

Which is the best way forward with this?

My guess is to find a different jam track or adjust the song to fit?

Thanks

Saul

Hello David, 

I am having a challenge with tonguing (only 3rd day), which I know can take a while to get.  Do I still move forward with the lessons or stay on Home Sweet Home until I can play it successfully using tongue blocking?

David,

How do I know when I've got a study song down well enough that it is worth submitting?  Do I need to be able to execute it perfectly before learning more advanced techniques, or do I just need to be able to play it "good enough"? I've been at it for about a month. 

Thanks,

Alex 

Hi David, do you have any hints on improving side flutter to obtain a fuller sound? Have you a tutorial or student i/v with teacher input?Thanks Mac

Hello again David

Reading "The Musician's Way" (great recommendation, by the way!) and the tips for preparing new materials, I've taken a step back to combine those tips, with the tips/tricks in your Breathing class (Ex.1.2 specifically) and the notation on my current study songs - to try and better prepare my practice sessions and avoid developing bad habits. ( I hadn't previously notated where I could breathe in/out and hence tend to forget until it's too late). continue reading...

 Hi David.

I hope you and yours are well,

JUst a suggestion for a lesson would be a James Cotton style lesson.

Thanks

Greg de B

Hi David,

Ok, I have comitted to memory all the notes on the C harmonica, along with the avialable notes for GM7 and Gm7 (I, IV, V chords) on each hole.

I now want to commit G9 to my memory but I want to make sure that I have got it right so that I don't memorise it incorrectly.

Would it be G Major 9:

I Chord: G B D F A

IV Chord: C E G Bb D

V Chord: D F# A C E

and is there a G minor 9:

I chord: G Bb D F A

IV chord: C Eb G Bb

V chord: D F A C

Thanks

Saul

Hi David

I'm not sure if I'm missing something here with the Intro to Blues Creepin' Over Me... it threw me for six when I tried playing along to the jam track, expecting a 4-count in. Looking back at Ex. 3.1 and then jumping ahead to watch you play it right through, I've gathered that we're actually starting on the upbeat (AND) of 3 as per the blues break examples, but I don't get why that's not notated.

Is it just a slip-up, or is there a musical reason that I've missed?

Thanks

Joel

Hi David

I'm working my way through Tongue Block Study 1 and I've been trying to spend a lot of time so I can get this down but I have a question regadring your song "Walk With Me."

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