Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

I've been using a trial and Error method to figure out the key when I attempt to play along with artists on ITunes (I got Key of E on Big Walter's "Careless Love"?).  Is there another way to figure that out, without having perfect pitch...which I don't have.

Thanks.

Eric

Hi David,

I seem to hear the 7th Bar of the 4th Chorus played differently from the notation. It resembles more a bar in the first song submission. Do I play and record it according to how I hear it, or do I play what I see in the notation? Please advise. Thank you.

Ricardo

Hi David,

On above mentioned song, do you know what kind of warble/roll he's playing at beginning 

of 2nd solo?  Sounds different than warble on his 1st solo.

Thanks

Hi David,

Is it only me or on the "Feelin for the Blues" (level 3) 4th Chorus is different on mp3 played by you and scores provided?

Thanks

In the video for beginners, A harmonicar is required. But I had no idea before I purchased my very first harmonica. I bought a C hamonica. Now where do I start, where can I find lessons in this website?

Regards

Helen

David:   I’m practicing LOA 5 My Blues and it’s actually beginning to sound like music.   Your lessons are great, challenging, and progressive.  I bought a lesson (on the net) from Sandy Weltman, a great player.  His TAB notation is different than yours, so I spent half a day re-writing it in “Barrett TAB”.   His TAB also doesn’t relate to TIME, nor to NOTES, merely holes.  First, why doesn’t everyone use the same TAB??  Your TAB is great!!!   Easy to understand, accurate, note related, and shows time, expression, dynamics, and mor continue reading...

Hi David, I can't seem to find where my unlocked artist studies are from the LoA program. I'm just studying L4 and would like to spend some time on them. Please could you point me in the right direction!

Thanks, Rob 

Where are the lessons for C note harmonicas?

Level 2 - In the lessons, sometimes it seems like the slap is with the chord starting right on the beat with the single note immediately following.  Other times it seems like I'm hearing the chord start just before the beat with the transition to the single note occuring right on the beat.  Which am I aiming for?

It sounds like everythong should start on the beat but those times when I head the chord portion leading into the single note which occurs on the downbeat, it sounds pretty cool.

Hi Dave,

Now that it's happened to me, I have learned from Kinya's videos that fracturing the 5 draw reed is common, and I think you emphasized that it's especially common with beginners.  I'm working on The Strut for Level 4, and my 5 draw has gone out.  I'm thinking that the 5-4 draw sequence in Chorus 1 and 8 and the second one in Chorus 7 contributed.  How can I play that music without damaging my replacement reed or harmonica (haven't decided yet).

Thanks for your advice!

Nance