Ask Instructor David Barrett

I am on LOA4 and want to watch the Ryan Walker lessons but it won't load.  If I follow the Contributors link it takes several minutes (literally) to load the page and then crashes or comes up with a blank when I click a video link.  There is a heck of a lot on that one page. Maybe it needs splitting up.  I have a decent computer and very good broadband and fair size memory so I don't think it is my computer.  Thanks.

Hi David, I am a new student in your program but have been playing for a number of years. I have always been confused about the various keys of the blues harmonica. If the notes are all the same on the various diatonic harmonicas what do keys actually do. I realize you habe to be in sync with the group but how are keys different and why do we play blues in G on a C harmonica second position vice first position on a G harmonica? I am very excited to study with you and finally put to bed all the questions that have haunted me since I started playing . Thank you. MikeV

Hi David,

Bunch of questions concerning LOA6 submission:

1) Can we slow the jam track down a bit?

2) Do you want us to record Ex. 1.2 & Ex. 1.6 to the entire 4 minute jam track?

3) Can we use ideas from the other exercies (e.g., shakes, fills) or do you prefer that we stick to rhythmic improvising on the chords as given in the written music for Ex. 1.2 & 1.6?

4) Are flutters and wah-wah on the chords appropriate for these two exercises?

Thank you,

HarpKat

Hi David,

Whenever I set my MT-60 to stay in rhythm for each measure, I'm unable to watch for the light and

keep my place on the sheet music.  Somehow, I just don't get it.  If it is something I've memorized, then

I'm really in trouble.  I always hope that I finish at the same time as the jam track.  I know the value of the

notes on this sheet music. (Take It Easy Now)

I play aiong with you okay, but by myself with the jam track, I'm a mess.  Either a few measures short when the continue reading...

David,

The E (5+) on my C harm sounds more closed, more flat and less volume than the other notes in the same octave.

It sounds difficult.

What can be the cause?

Dave I know I have to get the harp ninja to learn bending, but Im having difficulty visualizing what I should be doing to bend notes, particularly with the tongue blocking technique. Its seems easier to bend a note with the pucker technique versus the tongue blocking technique. If you are tongue blocking how do you move your tongue to create the bend.

Dave - It appears that Music Theory in LOA #1 is exactly the same as it is in #2. Am I missing something here?

Hi David - impressed as all get out with the intro videos and the potential of BlueDadi. Big time thanks to John Shirley. I'm aware of the 'proviso's' that accomapny a free app. I thought though he would like to know that this message came up when I tried to fire up the app on my Mac - OS El Capitan 10.11.4:

“Blue Dadi v1_1d” is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash. continue reading...

Helo David.

Some of my friends(beginners) ask me if I can write to you and ask if slippery hands is common problem with beginners?

I remember that I have had some problems when I started with slippery hands (even now sometimes when i am nervous) ....when playing in front of people.... than is a little bit difficult to hold harmonica in a proper way...

Thanks For your Answer :)

M.

David, 

I've recently come across a method of tongue blocking/curling.  I'm sure you're familiar with it.  I saw it on a video of Norton Buffalo's.  I find this method extremely easy for me as I've got a fairly dextrous tongue.  The tone of the instrument seems to have more clarity and bending notes is much easier for me.  I was wondering if you were indeed familiar with this method and how you felt about it.  I will also post this question in the general forum to see what everyone thinks about this method.  Thanks in advance!! continue reading...