Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

Thanks for the great lessons. I'm reviewing the Bending Study 2 study song at the moment, though I follow higher levels as well but I want to get back to the good basics in terms bending.

I was a modest pucker player. Then, I found your method and practiced hard to switch to tongue blocking according to your advice. Not easy but indeed, very important and opens a range of possibilities. continue reading...

Would you please explain why my draw notes sound terrible- raspy and snarled? Thank you.

Hello David,  I have been working on "No Sweat" the level one chromatic song.   I am having difficulty with getting my notes to sound loud enough.  (I am working on chorus 2).  I realized today that on almost all the one draw notes I am opening my nose.  So I pinched my nose while playing and I notice a dramatic volume gain( especially in bar 7 on the 1 2 2+  11+11).  I have been trying to not open my nose, but it seems to be a natrual reaction.  Any tricks, advice on how to stop this?  or why I am doing this?  

  continue reading...

I am currently  on LOA 3, so you may explain this in future lessons.

Regarding playing though the chords (I7 = G,B,D ,F, IV7 = C,E,G,Bb, V7 – D,F#, A , C ) .

I use the sound track ‘ I want you with me ‘….When I play on the I7 chord….I do not feel it sounds continue reading...

Fuschia here.  I've been blowing harp awhile, but am now going through all the levels of achievement.  One problem that I have is clogging the harp with my spit when I play-I know yuk.  Do you have some suggestions that I can start working on to overcome this problem?

Hello David.I really liked the performance training 2 (grooves) lesson. The idea of telling the band a song that they can relate to is awesome. Like the "mojo" example. It would be great to have a list of songs, one for each groove. With one like that we cold understand better the grooves and it wold be great for jam communication. Do you think you can pic some songs and create a list like that? Sorry to bother. Beast regards.

Dave,

When Im practicing the choruses, I found if I tilt the harmonica up and left it come back more into my mouth - I can get some of the bends to sound like yours. Is this not a good idea, and can it lead to bad habits, or is it okay. Your thoughts much appreciated

Hello David!

Could you please specify the content of the "Blues Harmonica Play-Along Trax" - http://www.melbay.com/Products/21055BCDEB/default.aspx 

I would like to know - does this book contain study songs with tabulatures(like at your site)? or just jam tracks for playing along?

Thank you,

Sergey

Hello David!

Could you please specify the content of the "Blues Harmonica Play-Along Trax" - http://www.melbay.com/Products/21055BCDEB/default.aspx 

I would like to know - does this book contain study songs with tabulatures(like at your site)? or just jam tracks for playing along?

Thank you,

Sergey

Hi Dave, I have a C harmonica. How do I us th beginner lessons that ask for an A?