Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David.  I'm new here but the site is terrific.  I particularly like the fact that not only to you give video lessons, but you also post the one on one lessons you've given with some of your students.  Really helpful.

I have a simple question.  Does it matter which side you block on?  In other words, if I'm playing the 3 or 4 hole, does it matter if I'm blocking with my tongue in the 11 o'clock postion or the 2 o'clock postion?  My tongue seems to favor blocking to the right of the hole I'm playing.

Thanks! continue reading...

You mentioned in the intro LOA an A harp is needed. Can I use my C to get aquainted with my lessons or is it best for me to purchase an A key instrument ?

Hello David. 

I wanted to ask if it is possible to do true classical trill between two adjacent notes, as in alternate blow/draw notes rapidly? Is there any particular technique for that without tearing the diaphragm apart ? :D

Btw I am currently a Level 1 student.

Regards 

Hi David,

I just finished my LOA-4 studies and I'm starting level 5.

I just watched videos for "Bending - Study 4". Notation for the exercise contains many half-step bends 4' (A#), 6' (F), 1' (A#) but video shows you taking those bends to the bottom (according to my tuner).

I've noticed similar thing in the study songs like Gary Blues - bends go all the way to the bottom in the recordings.

On 4' and 6' I can go 40-50 cents below the correct pitch on my A harmonica and even deeper on a G harmonica.

  continue reading...

Just learning "slaps" in solo harmonica study 2. In example 1.3  and the 2nd bar on the 2 draw slap, do you only draw holes 1 and 2 to begin the slap, ending on draw hole 2 for the note?

hi David.

i have been with you for 6 months getting a lot of knowledge in my head and realy enjoy the lessons.

i also play in a ukulele band and very interested in the accompaniment side of thing. the question is can i follow only the accompaniment lessons through the different levels the achive being able to play with the band.

Hey David!First of all, I'd like to thank you for creating this website. So much great instruction in one place, and well structured to boot. Hats off to you! :) continue reading...

Hi David

I've not looked at them before, but whilst I am taking my time working on L-O-A Level 5. I thought I'd have a go on the Artist study using the low F Harp. 

I can't seem to work out how to get to these studies? Can you point me in the right direction, so that I can download the pdf's etc? 

Cheers 

Richard 

Hi David, it's Dave Prez.  I'll have a beer waiting for you if you make it down to Aki's jam tonight.

Hi David,

In music theory 6 Ex 5.12, I understand that G9 is represented as an I9, please can you explain how Ab9 is represented as bII9. Hope i've not confused you.

Regards

Paul