Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dear David,

How do you not run out of breath on the examples 2.1 and onwards? The constant inhaling is quite difficult for me.

Thanks

Hi David

I'm currently working on Feelin' for the Blues L.O.A. 3 and all good. Just a quick question, I noticed that nothing is slapped shall I play it as shown or would you expect some slap in there,? Personally speaking I think the slurred bending phrases lend the piece to be unslapped? 

cheers and hope you're well.

Greg

Hi David

This issue of the bend here is not necessarily related to ' My Blues ', but this is where I noticed it....

For the purpose of simplifacation I woiuld like to start with  the example on a ' C ' Harp

There are Half step ( denoted by one little mark to the right of the number/tab )

and whole step bends  ( denoted by two little marks to the right of the number/tab)

...for holes 1 though 6 ( except hole 3 ) this makes sense to me.

On hole 3 do we say:  Half step bend - Bb, Whole Step Bend - A , ... continue reading...

Hi David, continue reading...

I have been playing C harmonica for about 4 months now, finished Level 1, bought an A harmonica (Hohner Crossover) and started on Level 2.  However, the 2 and 3 draw holes on the A harp are much harder for me than on the C harmonica.  (Although the high notes are easier)  I feel like I am back to square 1 and I am getting a bit discouraged!  

How can I get a smooth sound from the 3 draw (let alone the 2 draw) without getting so winded?  Why is the A harp so much harder? continue reading...

David, Any advice in ref to the Accompaniment lessons and maintaining the baisc beat on the 2-and vice driffting to the 3? This seems really hard to me.

Thanks

Hi David,

Level 3 Test, in particular Solo Harmonica Study 2 requires:-Example 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.3 or 2.4 with a Metronome (you choose the tempo). Would I therefore be submitting a total of 4off pieces or just one piece from that example list?

thanks

Greg

Hi David,

Hope you're well.

I want to concerntrate my studies/playing of the harmonica on a full time basis and write to ask your opinion on a structure I could follow based upon the fact that I can spend upto 5 hours a day doing so. I'm dedicated to BluesHarmonica.com. to get me there.

My ambition is to play live to an audience most probably jam sessions to start with and see how that goes. At some stage in the future I would like to teach. continue reading...

Hi David

First to say hello, I am glad that I am here. I am Croatian, currently working/living in Manchester UK.Just started your LoA and it is great. Practicing for few hours a day. Wife is almost crazy :)

I have a question regarding tongue blocking technique. I am getting on with it but struggling to "tongue block" hole 2 while I am coming from the left side (from hole 1), but when coming from the right side I do not have a problem to "hit" it.   continue reading...

Hi David

I know the answer already to this question;-) 'You're playing with way too much pressure!' 

I have been practising the new LOA-5 song and as it's so difficult (for me) I have be pressing the harmonica in to my mouth with  far too much pressure.

I'm now try to reduce this and play more relaxed. My playing is suff a bit as I'm now focusing on this more than the playing but I j ow I need to do it.  continue reading...