Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dave Im getting lost. Im in LOA 3 - Accompaniment Study 3- Chords/ Section 1 Building Chords. Some of my confusion is I dont really understand positions - So when you say your in the C harmonica , 2nd position , Key of G, but you want us to use an A harmonica this is where Im starting to lose you. Why are we using the key of G(G major scale). I think I need more basic music theory. I completed the introductory music theory section and I followed all of that, but I dont get the positions/Keys/chords. What would you advise me to do at this point?

Hello! I started following your lesson a couple weeks ago, and I just love it, I'm learning a lot with you. The problem I have is about the breathing and air. I usually run ou of breath easily on draws, and I'm conscious I have a nose leak specially on lower notes, but I don't know how to fix it. In fact, when I play 1 draw or blow I need to open my nose to make it actually sound better, but that makes me overfill with air. How can I fix it?

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Hello David,

I am trying to use Garage Band (version that came with 2010 Mac Book Pro) to submit recordings for LOA 4.  All of my recorded examples are in the same Garage Band Project.  Each time I try to convert to MP3 the selection (as an MP3) plays for twice as long or longer in iTunes as it does in Garage Band.  In fact, in my first attempt the created MP3 played the selection twice within an approximately 5 min duration. The selection is actually about 2 min 30 sec. continue reading...

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Good Afternoon David,

Whilst studying the accopaniament study songs, should we be taking the licks and fills that we like and place them into the various chorus forms thereby giving us more vocabulary for our improvisation.

Many thanks,

Paul

Hi. Bought my first harmonica today. Got home and started on your lesson page. First major problem is - on my right hand I have no little finger!  What can I do? Is there any advice you can give me please?

Hi David,

I am new to this but find I have a new Hohner Special 20 in ''C'' but i find all your lessons are not in C help!!!!

Hi David,

I am new to this but find I have a new Hohner Special 20 in ''C'' but i find all your lessons are not in C help!!!!

Hi David,

how are you? I hope all fine

Yesterday i signed up to your course. Considering i m starting now for the first time to play by harmonica, and considering i am a Bob Dylan fun....which key(A-C-D ecc) i should buy ??

Thanks a lot

Filippo

I am a beginner learning tongue blocking. In the song America the 4th note is a 3 draw.  Is the corret way to move over to 1-3 holes and tongue block 1&2?  Also tongue blocking seems to activate saliva. I completely understand why it is nedessary to keep your head back in learning this technique.  Does controling the saliva come naturally or is there a tick to develop less slober? Thanks David