Ask Instructor David Barrett

I am new to the harmonica but because of a stroke I cannot hold the harmonica in the conventional manner. My left hand forefinger and thumb do not allow me to hold the innystrument in the normal way. Is there any way that I can overcome this?

Rawle Houston

Just want to start by saying I am enjoying the lessons so far. I have been practicing on my own for about a month and was getting used to the pucker method, so the tongue blocking has been difficult but I think I am slowly getting the hang of it. I am running into this problem: continue reading...

David,

This may be on your site somewhere, so if so, I apologize. Do you have a series anywhere that basically takes you through your progression to playing at your first Open Mic Blues Jam?

At what LOA level do you believe it is possible to take that step?

Thoughts on simple strategy to accomplish that first experience?

I hope to get more focused on practicing. Striving to play on stage may help the focus! I appreciate it.

Peter

Hi David,

While going back and reviewing some of your lessons, in this case, "Recording 1" you use the iphone, itunes, ASD as a mini studio which is great for me given that I am retired, 72, and enjoying "playing around" with various set ups as a hobby. 

Since your classroom the technology has somewhat changed e.g. Itunes is now Apple Music and given that I have a PC is somewhat limited. continue reading...

I saw on a video with you and you used software on the computer that recognized the single note bein played on the harmonica. Could you tell me the name and a possible link? 

Thanks,

Salba

Hi David,

When learning the above on chromatic I've noticed it's messing up my 5 hole draw octaves on diatonic. Is this a normal problem because of using such a wide embouchure for the first time? Will pracice fix this, any tips?

Thanks,

Graham

Hello,There is no Joe Filisko forum, so I'll post my question here.I find train imitation challenging for breathing. As many blows as draws, no rest...My first try was to inhale and exhale through my nose continuously while playing. At slow speed it is ok, but faster "panting" continuously quickly creates tension.

I tried to add nose breathing only every X measures, but I could not follow a consistent pattern.What is the breathing strategy  to develop here?

Hi, I've just been bought a C blues Harmonica and am trying to start lessons, but the first 2 lessons seem to require an A harmonica. How do I get round this or do I need to buy an A harmonica? Many thanks

Hi David,

I have watched a little bit of your Chromatic classes. I have already had a chromatic harmonica, however, it is a 10-hole chromatic. It seems that you recommend 12-hole one. I will obviously missing notes in the upper register. Is it a really a big deal? I am not sure if I stay with chromatic at this point, although you advertise it as a very intuitive harmonica ... So what are your thoughts on 10-hole vs 12-hole chromatic at the early exploratory stages of my harmonica adventure?

Thanks!

Hi David , 

I very rarely video myself playing harmonica due to being Blind don't see the point, to me its about the sound I can emulate and if it's close to the recordin. But the other day I did and have noticed just how much I move my head. But now I have opened up that can of worms by recording myself it is bugging me . Any suggestions on how to stop . Thanks 

Tony Taylor