Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dave in LOA #5 , Solo Harmonica Study #3, Ex 1.5 you refer to the 3rd line as beginning with the 5 chord with note D being played sinultaneously an octave apart. Why couldnt you refer to this as a 1 chord as well as it too contains the note D? Im just expressing my ignorance of music theory here.

Hi,

Last month I decided to finally jump in and do something I had on my mind for over 7 years - learn the harmonica.  Got myself a 3-set of Hohner bluesband and a book ("Instant Harmonica: Quick and Easy Instruction for the Beginner").  I didn't even know about this website but my Hohner came with a free month so I figurd I'll register and see what the website is like.

The book I got starts with puckering - the very first chapter that talks about making a sound talks about puckering the lips until you can hit a single hole. continue reading...

Hi.

I am just about thetting the hang of tongue blocking, however I am facing real problems shifting from one hole to another, especially going from a hole on the right to a hole on the left. My tongue just disloges and moves to the other side. Any tips for the same? Thanks

Dear David,

Could you clarify on the difference between the two learning approaches, Skill level Vs LOA?. Also, why the lessons in LOA has one more additional lesson from level 4 and the quick reference has movement exercise study 2 listed under level 1?

Under Lessons by Skill level - Level 1 we have.

1. Blues fundamental

2. Tongue Blocking level 1

3. Solo Harmonica level 1

4. Music Theory level 1

Under Level 1 - Levels of Achivement

1. Blues fundamental continue reading...

David Hi

I notice that the section study song Feeling for the blues has provision to submit a recording for feedback. I am working through the LOA and wanted to know if you prefer I send all material for the level 3 test or do a seperate pre test recording for Feeling for the blues. 

Hi David,

I have started working through I Want You With Me, and the accompaniment study is great fun and a really good way of taking a break from some of the more challenging lessons. Not that this doesn't have challenging elements in it.

However I always miss coming in with the band by about 1/2 a beat. Is there a subtle clue as to when the band is about to start which I may be missing or do I just need to keep listening more to the pick up until it is set in my head? continue reading...

Dear teacher

All previous L4 stuffs is achived. Its now time for me to start improvising and accompaniment. How many time or at what moment I must go to next step ? I realize I have infinity possibilities for this sections.

By the way the course begin very funny :)

Hi David

I am a newbie to music learning and harmonica. Your lessons are quite helpful ... thank you :)

I am at Level 1 of your lessons and have a couple of queries i.e.1

1) while practicing playing I am facing an issue where my mouth dries up and I am having trouble 'sliding' the harmonica across my mouth.

related to this, I am also facing a 'stickiness/friction' with the top-bottom metal plates.

any suggestions on how do 'smooth sliding'

  continue reading...

Hi David,

 Regarding completing the various  LOA 5 sections, Regarding  Accompaniment Study 5 - 7th Chords.

You are requesting submission of us playing Accompaniment to the

Jam Track Blues Creepin' Over Me Version 2 ? I would assume that would

that Jam Track WITH vocals ?

               Thank you for your time continue reading...

David,

I'm working on the level one solo, "Walk With Me."

While playing this piece, should I think in terms of 4 Blow - 5 Draw - 6 Blow, etc., or should I think in terms of C - F - G?

I guess I'm asking, should I think about the Tab, or the names of the notes on the staff while playing?

Long term, is it better to think in one context over the other?

Thanks,

Daniel