Ask Instructor David Barrett

David, 

I feel I'm getting fairly close to somewhat okay at most of the level one material.  My question is simple, how well does my content need to be to reach level one proficiency?  In other words, should the material be perfect?  I haven't viewed or heard other submissions, so I have no basis for comparison.  Any advice would be most helpful.  

-Ralph Sellite

David, 

I feel I'm getting fairly close to somewhat okay at most of the level one material.  My question is simple, how well does my content need to be to reach level one proficiency?  In other words, should the material be perfect?  I haven't viewed or heard other submissions, so I have no basis for comparison.  Any advice would be most helpful.  

-Ralph Sellite

David --

So life has finally cleared a bit for me to return to practicing harmonica more diligently. So that I can drive hands-free, I actually bought a harmonica holder. Hopefully, it will help me to stay on track.

My question for you as to do with shading the 3 draw on the D harmonica. While I've got the 1, 2, 4, and 6 draws down, I can't seem to control the bend of the 3. I can either do a unbent draw and hit C# or I go all the way to A# when bending. Any tricks you might have to help me hit C and B?

Thanks!

Erik continue reading...

Hi David,

Could you recommend a George Harmonica Smith Compilation or key recordings to seek out?

youve  mentioned both "Juicy Harmonica" and "Blues in the Dark" in a couple contexts.  But I am not able to find either of these in iTunes by George.  I do see a few covers of Blues in the Dark and have your playing of Juicy Harmonica.

is there a recommended album? 

Best,

Andrew

Hi David,

The harmonica has grown to take over a larger and larger part of my musical world in the last two years. Of course I see it more and share it more. I was talkling with some friends and they asked: "Do you think there is a resurgence of popularity going on with the harmonica?"  continue reading...

Hi David,

I just learned about the School of the Blues series in Improvising 10.

I play and teach multiple instruments including guitar and would like to get my hands on an e book copy of the Guitar method, but it seems as if only level 2 is available.

Is there anywhere you know I could score a copy?

They are easily available used, but I use my iPad to cut down on carrying texts to the music store.

Thanks,

Steve

Hi David,

I have been listening to Gary Smith's latest installment, #51, and just wanted to comment on how informative it is.  Gary touches on a lot of subjects, and I really enjoy his self-deprecating sense of humour.  He is a real valuble contributor to BluesHarmonica.com.  We are fortuneate to have him as a contributor!

Homer.

Hi David .

Can you tell me in a few words what is the main defrences between overblows and overblows bends ?

M.

Hi David,

I've just changed my visa card details on Paypal as the last card expired. Do you need to know these details, my next payment is due the 30th April and want to make sure the payment goes through without any problems.

Thankyou,

Paul

As a player develops in ability, how can they best maintain good bending skills? Just playing songs will probably not be enough, since not every song requires precision bending. Is there a single exercise or study song that can be practiced a few times a week to keep bending sharp?

I think "Half Steppin" is a good practice of bending, but it doesn't incorporate blow bending. Maybe sometimes play "Half Steppin" and sometimes play "Blowing the Blues"?