Ask Instructor David Barrett

 David... Where can I get Improvising Blues Harmonica with the CD. I prefer the actual book and CD not the download. I want to learn what notes and chords I can play when I'm in the I IV and V chords. I'm starting to understand the 12 Bar Blues but what are all the notes and chords u can play in each  I IV V chord as u go thru the 12 Bar Blues and as I listen to the jam tracks?

Hi David

Sorry if this question has been asked before.  I'm trying to get the timing right for Temperature.  On your recording of Temperature, in Chorus 6, 2nd measure, if you slow the track right down it sounds like there is an extra note in there.  Is it a slap or something else? I can't get it to sound right playing the notes in the Tab. Thanks.

Andy

Hi.  I am having trouble getting to LOA3 badge. I have the other parts sort of under my belt but the solo piece is really challenging.  I know there is a lot of trial and error in learning the bend but I am not entirely sure I am starting from the best start position in my trials and errors.   So far in the LOA series I have been tongue blocking with the side of my tongue, or the middle line between top and bottom.  But for the best position to learn bending should be it be more top side, bottom side, or middle?

Thanks. continue reading...

I hear this really really cool sound from a lot of harmonica players.  The sound is really hard to explain, but as I've studied pulls and slaps more that its gotta be related.  Rather than try to explain the sound and guess at what it is I found an example of it.

In submission #7 of Gary Smith at around 3:49 - 3:50.  Its this like extended slap maybe, but it feel like its the opposite in or out of the single note you resolve to ...  continue reading...

Hello,i just took a C key harmonica silverstar. Can i do the online lessons with this one or i need an A? I m new to harmonica.

Hi Dave,  I'm starting on LoA Level 2.  I notice that there are a lot of exercises in Solo Harmonica Level 1 that I haven't even looked at:  1.8 - 1.15 and 2.1 - 2.8.  Would you recommend mastering those before moving on to the exercises in Solo Harmonica Level 2, or moving directly to Level 2? 

And while I'm asking, I can't find an explanation for the bracket below the second through 5th notes in the first measure of Solo Harmonica Level 2.  What does it mean?

Thank you.  Your instruction is much appreciated.

Nance

 David... Would it be safe to say a good way to go through LOA 1 is to just follow Hob Bosold's lessons from top to bottom?

Hi David

I am having some trouble hitting the 3 draw 1/2 step bend with any reliability.

no problem with the other notes on that whole. When I do hit it - I don't hold it very long. I am not really sure where I should be focusing as far as adjustments in my mouth.  

do you have any suggestions or drills focusing on it?

Cheers,

Andrew

I have just completed LOA 1 and clicked on the link in my email for artist studies,

the page loads and says artist studies at the top of page, but there is nothing else.

I have looked through the web site to try and access this from the site and not through

the link in my email. Where and how do I access this? I have tried this on both a laptop

and ipad with no success.

I am super excited to continue my studies and thoroughly enjoy your site

and teaching.

thank you 

george

I am having difficulty conceptualizing a few things. You stated that you only need to understand the configuration of where the notes are on the C harmonica, and not to worry about where the notes are on the other key harmonicas. I found some introductory shhet music to a song called love in vain by the stones. I picked up that it was in the key of G. I transposed it to the key of C, but it didnt sound right. I also worked out the tabs for the C harmonica and then used those tabs to try playing the song on a G harmonica but again it didnt sound right. continue reading...