Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David! Thanks to the amazing lessons, now I need a good value for money tube amp.

I looked through all your reviews and the forum.

I had decided on the Laney CUB 10, but as it is no longer available, anywhere!

Would you have another recommendation at a similar price? My Mic is the Hohner HB52.

thanks a lot!

Hi David,

Is there a way to download videos when I am offline. I can download mp3 but I could not find any button to click to download your videos. Thanks!

Hello David,

In 3rd chorus, the long held notes at the start of each line last for a whole bar and 3 beats as you say in the video. So the next note is played on the 4th beat right ?

What about the long held note in the 5th chorus, 5 chord ? It's the same length of time but the next note comes a bit earlier right ? It's on the upbeat after 3 ? So same count but start a bit ealier ? Any tips on how to count that ? It's quite challenging for me.

Hi David,

I have come across your videos regarding Pentaharp. It is interesting. Is it made exclusively by Hohner? If I want to explore the capabilities of Pentaharp which key you would recommend to purchase?

On a side note, I understand that whatever you can play on Pentaharp, you can play on a regular diatonic harmonica. Pentaharp is just easier to start jamming as fast as you can get a note out of a harmonica ...

Thanks!

MG

Hi David. How can I find out in which key the song is? Do I have to have a trained ear to hear it? Or just try different harmonicas and hear which sounds better? Is there a more "scientific" approach to know that? Thanks!

Hello David.  I am stumped on the Key Reed uses for "Honest I Do"  (The very Best Of Jimmy Reed) from Ear Training Position study.    It is in First Position and based on my research should be in Key of A however using the C Major Pentatomic Scale it sounds horrible.  The only key that came close was Bb.  Any suggestions?  Thanks, Mic

Hi David, 

At the end of next week I am going to be spending about 18 hours over 3 days where I'll have the opportunity to get some extended practice in. I won't have the opportunity to use my computer or engage on my phone, other than an occasional one. I won't be able to follow along with sheet music or use any record/slow down software.

I've been away from playing for awhile and for the most part would be working on LOA 3 type material (or technique review of previous material). continue reading...

Hi,

I have recently joined the site and I see that you recommend a harmonica in key A. I have already Special 20 in key C, however, I decided to go with a harp in key A. I bought a budget Fender Blues Deluxe in key A. Well, it is very hard for me to get a sound on the 1, 2, or even 3 hole (either blowing or drawing). I do not have such an issue on my Special 20 in C (occassionally I have an issue with hole 2, though, especially when I play a while). continue reading...

Hello David.  I have been reviewing Music Theory Study 3 and have a question on Ex 5.4.  Number 10 hole.  The answqer key states that 10"+ can be used for i7 and for iv7.  I thought all B's  were omited when playing in minor.   I have spent a lot of time on this lesson and it has helped tremendously on my improvisation.  I can mentally see the hole, pitch, scale degree and chord but I am not fast enough to verbalize it. However, the concept works for me.  Also I read the first three out of 5 recommended books. continue reading...

Hello David,

I'd like to know why there are so few slaps on that song, and how or why do you choose where to use slaps. Thank you !