Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David It's been a while(long story)I'm putting together my level 5 test and i have a dumb question about the accompinament section. I assume that the jam track is I Want you with me (shuffle in E) which would use an A harmonica in 2nd position and the test will be to complete and record Homework ex.2.3 .Is this correct ?I've been working on all the solo harmonica studies and the rest of the material for level 5 . Ive got to say that recording myself is  a HUGE humbling and educational experience !!

Thanks,Fred

Hi David - After learning To pucker play over the last year, I'm taking your course and am on LOA 1.  Tongue blocking all the time is new to me.  Not sure I have it because I can detect the sound of an air leak somewhere when I play, or, at times my tongue seems to big and there is no sound.  Not sure if it is an emboucher issue, 4-hole coverage issue or, after holding w my right hand for a year, not I'm letting my left hand get in the way.  I'll keep at it but would appreciate the benefit of your experience teaching an old dog (I'm 64), new tricks.  Thanks continue reading...

Where can I find holding the bullet mic

Hi David! I'm learning the fifth chorus of Easy Baby and you mention playing some phrases using octaves. I already know how to play octaves because I studied the technique before. I can play the whole chorus using the octaves and fake octaves. It's OK if I record the tune for submission using the octave technique in that particular section of the song? Thanks

I completed level 7 of the LOA program in January of 2019. Some things came up, including COVID and  never got back to the LOA program. However I still am suscribing and enjoying learning new songs. After I completed one of the levels you suggested that perhaps I could take lessons on teaching the harmonica. If that is still the case, I think I may be interested.  Also, I have tried to get going again on the LOA program, but have struggled with the accompaniment and improvising lessons.  Any thoughts on jumpstarting the LOA program in those two areas again? Thanks

Hi David,

I am in the initial stages of Improvising Study 1 and I'm not quite sure how to dip just before playing a 2-hole combination. For instance, you develop the AAA chorus form from single notes to 2-hole combinations. If I use holes 4 & 5 as an example, which of the notes do I dip before playing the 2 holes? Is it just the 4 draw?

Thanks,

Mark.

Hello David,

I saw Ryan Walker perform Walkers Shuffle. Did he bring that in himself or is it a studysong? I have not been able to find it in the lessons or artist studies, but is sounded interesting. I guess he composed it himself.  The improvisation assignment!? Sorry, silly question!

Els Rensink

David, I feel pretty good about my progress with bending (working on Level 3) but I feel like my tremolo is suffering when I work on Feeling for the Blues. Chorus 1 still seems challenging although I've worked up to Chorus 5. A more general question is am I doing something wrong if I have good days and bad days. Sometimes it feels like I take 2 steps forward and 1 or 2 steps back. Is that just normal or is there a different approach or mindset I should have about practicing?

Hi David! I hope you are doing great!

I need some advice for improving my warble (thrills) technique.

My warbles aren't great but I'm studying the Blues Chromatic Study 3 Easy Baby and I'm really having trouble playing the 3rd chorus 5th bar lick involving thrills. I just can't navigate the melody using the technique. Do you have any suggestion to improve this? Thanks

Hi David,

I've been working on the music theory lessons and am currently watching the lesson 6 videos you did with John Garcia. I was wondering, given what he said with regard his quick changes preference verses the possible monotony of long changes, is it usual for musicians to put those in the 20 and 24 bar progressions? I'm even thinking of the possibility of mixing in some of the 12 bar variations there. Or would this cause too much confusion?

Thanks,

Graham