Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

A few questions on improvisation

Reference chorus 2 on Temperature, as an example, how would I turn the first four bars into A A1 A2.

If I were to Use the first two bars then went up an octave for bars 3 and 4 would this be an A or A with fills, and lastley, If I were to use bars one and three then placed different notes in bars 2 and 4 would this still be an A and would this apply to bars 5 to 8

Last question, whats the difference between a fill and a variation.

Hope this makes sense.

Regards,

Paul

Hi Dave,

What is the reason for changing from a G harp in second position to a C harp in third position in "Walter's Mood"? Is it the range of the tune, or the different feel of the third position? I know I can't play the last three choruses with the G harp without sounding weird. But I also wouldn't be able to tell whether the last three choruses were played in third position if someone asked me.

Hi David,

I struggle with two possibilities that both get me to the 10'+:

1) blowing uo my cheeks and pressing the tongue slightly to the face of the harmonica

2) making my mouth small an getting the tone with a little bit more pressure (sounds more like puckering)

the second way is easier for me at the moment and gives me the feeling of more control. the first way is more relaxed but harder to control.

I ask this because I never saw you blowing up the cheeks to do this bend.

What do you think is the better approach to practice? continue reading...

I've been practicing some speed runs/ pattern playing (out of Winslow's Dummies book and your Rock Harmonica book). These patterns are fun to play, but how does a guy implement these speed runs in a solo? continue reading...

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.