Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hey Dave !

Can you tell me what you think is normal time for a harmonica player (not profesional but very entuziast...) to complet all 10 Levels of Achievement. M.

Hi David, when using the progression of notes for improvising, for example using holes 1 and 2, if we were using the chorus form Af Af At, would the fill notes also have to use holes 1 and 2. Love this style of improvising.

Thank you for your help,

Paul

Hello David,

I know this is not the right forum to ask this, but since this is where you will check more often I thought I'd ask here. Sorry if this is violating rules.

I love the electric guitar solo on the following song, it's short yet powerful and full of feelings for me. I am really interested in hearing a faithful harmonica cover of it, and being a Level 2 guy, I am far away from being able to play such solos. (I have not took part in the test program so my rating is not official, I have difficulties paying due to financial restrictions and stuff...). continue reading...

David Hi

Can you confirm that Blues creeping over me that, the lead in 3+  3 to the Solo 1.55 then the first two bars and the 3   3’  2- - - - are all one inhale or does the music provide for some quick air after the 4---

Only looking for clarification on that point. Thanks

PS 

OK just had another look and the music is continuous for the first two bars of the solo and then the 3 3’ 2 ---- so that is clear and no response required.

Thanks

Sir,

i have just started my harmonica lessons and from the beginning i am finding it difficult to control my tongue. It turns out to be difficult for me to lower my tongue. Honestly i have less or no control of my middle and back tongue. Kindly can you give me some insights into how to solve this problem, or share some techniques or exercises. It would  be very helpful.

David I'm studying accopaniment study three and you use ,I want you with me study song without the vocals to find all the root notes on the harmonica for the 1 4 and 5 chords. I cannot find this ,its probably staring me in the face but where do I find it on the web site

thanks

When you reference the 1 chord or the 5 chord what does that mean in harmonica speak?  Maybe I missed the explanation on this topic?  I read some guitar based explanations, but trying to put it into harmonica perspective.

Thanks, rod

I just started LOA 3 and in the introduction noticed that maybe I should have already looked at Bending Study 1 which I have not done. So I went there and on the bending practice lessons I have a question. Since we have been doing nothing but tongue blocking so far I assumed you wanted the tongue block mouth position and then trying to bend notes, is that correct? Of course, I cannot do that at this point, but then in watching the video I thought maybe you were just starting with a pucker position and with proper tongue movement achieving bends. continue reading...

Hi David,

Is there a lesson where you show how to play the riffs in each of his solos after the initial warble, the techniques SB2 is noted for?  

Thanks,

Dave Prez

Hi, Dave:

Probably the first scale you taught me was the C major scale, across the range of the harmonica.

1+  1  2+  2"  2  3"  3  4+ and so on...

You mentioned how, if you start from different places on that scale, you play in different modes. So, if you go from 1+ to 4+ (or 4+ to 7+) that's first position in C. From 4 to 8 is 3rd position in D, etc...

I recently realized two things and want to confirm that I'm correct: continue reading...