Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi david, I posted before but no reply.  Im totally new and dont know how to even get started the blowing part into a particular hole.

Thanks.

Ivan

Hello David,

I'm studying temperature and I got stuck on the dip in 3 draw and 6 draw.

I can really do the dip, but looking at the video lessons where you play without the backing track (I didn't notice It while listening to the study song) looks like you do also slap those notes. It's just me, or are you slapping and dipping at the same time? How do you do that?

If I try to slap a bend I always start from the top, then quickly dip the note...

  continue reading...

Hi David,

for the Temperature study song, where you denote +3, have you done this deliberately for the benefit of practicing or simply because the 2 draw can be problematic for beginners? In short my question isdoes it matter if I choose to play 2 draw instead of 3 blow or should I stick with 3 blow as instructed? I'm a beginner tongue blocker. 

Thx,

Ravi

Hi David, it is really my first time on harmonica and struglling to get startharmonica yesterday and cant get theed even with the study guide.  how do I for instance in the third or foutth hole when it is so diffficult to blow into one hole at any given time.  Just bought my harmonica yesterday and cant do the first lesson.  please help to understand the fourth hole etc. Ivan.

I am new to the harmonica but because of a stroke I cannot hold the harmonica in the conventional manner. My left hand forefinger and thumb do not allow me to hold the innystrument in the normal way. Is there any way that I can overcome this?

Rawle Houston

Just want to start by saying I am enjoying the lessons so far. I have been practicing on my own for about a month and was getting used to the pucker method, so the tongue blocking has been difficult but I think I am slowly getting the hang of it. I am running into this problem: continue reading...

David,

This may be on your site somewhere, so if so, I apologize. Do you have a series anywhere that basically takes you through your progression to playing at your first Open Mic Blues Jam?

At what LOA level do you believe it is possible to take that step?

Thoughts on simple strategy to accomplish that first experience?

I hope to get more focused on practicing. Striving to play on stage may help the focus! I appreciate it.

Peter

Hi David,

While going back and reviewing some of your lessons, in this case, "Recording 1" you use the iphone, itunes, ASD as a mini studio which is great for me given that I am retired, 72, and enjoying "playing around" with various set ups as a hobby. 

Since your classroom the technology has somewhat changed e.g. Itunes is now Apple Music and given that I have a PC is somewhat limited. continue reading...

I saw on a video with you and you used software on the computer that recognized the single note bein played on the harmonica. Could you tell me the name and a possible link? 

Thanks,

Salba

Hi David,

When learning the above on chromatic I've noticed it's messing up my 5 hole draw octaves on diatonic. Is this a normal problem because of using such a wide embouchure for the first time? Will pracice fix this, any tips?

Thanks,

Graham