Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David.  Hope all is well.

At one time, there was a link in the site to a youtube series about how music is made or history of music or something like that.  It was broken down into segments.  Rhythm and bass were two of them.  Do you happen to remember what it was.  I've been searching the site now for half an hour and can't seem to find it.  I want to watch it again. :)

Thanks for any assistance.

J.D.

Hi David,

Does the Accompaniment Study Level 3 mean that we must play a total of 6 choruses using only one hole per chorus. Ex Chorus 1=Hole 1, then Chorus 2=hole 2, till Chorus 6=hole 6? Or is it that we add 1 hole as the chorus progresses? Ex: Chorus 1= hole 1, then Chorus 2= holes 1,2, then chorus 3= holes 1,2,3. Please clarify.

Thank you.

Ricardo

David Hi. Im back from a trip and back into my study and practice, about 2 hours a day and enjoying it greatly.  Really enjoy your enthusiasm in the lessons.

A trivial question please. I am struggling to "hear" what is going on in Solo Harmonica Study 2 EX 1.6 the 5th and 6th bars. I have listened and slowed right down but just cant hear it. How is it played, is it a 4+ with a repetitive lift for 4+3+2+1+, or separate blows. Appreciate some suggestions as I dont want to just skip it.

Thanks

Hi. continue reading...

Having problems bending holds 1 and 2 on the G harp.  Any suggestions?

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...