Ask Instructor David Barrett

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...

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?