Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello,There is no Joe Filisko forum, so I'll post my question here.I find train imitation challenging for breathing. As many blows as draws, no rest...My first try was to inhale and exhale through my nose continuously while playing. At slow speed it is ok, but faster "panting" continuously quickly creates tension.

I tried to add nose breathing only every X measures, but I could not follow a consistent pattern.What is the breathing strategy  to develop here?

Hi, I've just been bought a C blues Harmonica and am trying to start lessons, but the first 2 lessons seem to require an A harmonica. How do I get round this or do I need to buy an A harmonica? Many thanks

Hi David,

I have watched a little bit of your Chromatic classes. I have already had a chromatic harmonica, however, it is a 10-hole chromatic. It seems that you recommend 12-hole one. I will obviously missing notes in the upper register. Is it a really a big deal? I am not sure if I stay with chromatic at this point, although you advertise it as a very intuitive harmonica ... So what are your thoughts on 10-hole vs 12-hole chromatic at the early exploratory stages of my harmonica adventure?

Thanks!

Hi David , 

I very rarely video myself playing harmonica due to being Blind don't see the point, to me its about the sound I can emulate and if it's close to the recordin. But the other day I did and have noticed just how much I move my head. But now I have opened up that can of worms by recording myself it is bugging me . Any suggestions on how to stop . Thanks 

Tony Taylor 

Hi David,

I don't feel like ever being capable of playing the V-IV-I lick of the 6th chorus.

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Hi David,

Is there an Artist Study associated with Level 7 or is this where they end?

Hello David! I hope you're doing well!

So Gary's Blues, 4th chorus, last line V-IV-I, on the I chord right after the IV, there is draw pull (1st and 2nd holes draw pull). I hear it's played on the 3rd beat (or maybe on the upbeat after 2).

Edit: The bar starts with a doted quarter note which puts the next note on the upbeat after 2, is that right ? So if I hear it on the 3rd beat I guess it's only because I'm struggling to feel the upbeats on this backwards shuffle groove. Would there be any reason for that ?

Thank you!

Hi David,

I have just started exploring the Quizlet set starting from the very beginning. What is this: 2", 5, 9? This is the answer the the quizlet question: "Where are the F's on the harmonica?" What does the quotation close to 2 mean?

Thanks,

MG

Hi David,

The difference is one not blow note on the 3rd hole, right? I guess it is ok for the material on this website to use the Paddy harmonica in A, isn't it?

I have just learnt that there are a lot of tunings for various occasions such as country, and other tunings ...

Thanks,

MG

Hi David,

I have recently come across a 7-holes harmonica. I wonder whether it is worth to give it a try or not. Or just do not bother ... How often do you use holes no. 8, 9, and 10?

Thanks,

MG