Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David, 

At the end of next week I am going to be spending about 18 hours over 3 days where I'll have the opportunity to get some extended practice in. I won't have the opportunity to use my computer or engage on my phone, other than an occasional one. I won't be able to follow along with sheet music or use any record/slow down software.

I've been away from playing for awhile and for the most part would be working on LOA 3 type material (or technique review of previous material). continue reading...

Hi,

I have recently joined the site and I see that you recommend a harmonica in key A. I have already Special 20 in key C, however, I decided to go with a harp in key A. I bought a budget Fender Blues Deluxe in key A. Well, it is very hard for me to get a sound on the 1, 2, or even 3 hole (either blowing or drawing). I do not have such an issue on my Special 20 in C (occassionally I have an issue with hole 2, though, especially when I play a while). continue reading...

Hello David.  I have been reviewing Music Theory Study 3 and have a question on Ex 5.4.  Number 10 hole.  The answqer key states that 10"+ can be used for i7 and for iv7.  I thought all B's  were omited when playing in minor.   I have spent a lot of time on this lesson and it has helped tremendously on my improvisation.  I can mentally see the hole, pitch, scale degree and chord but I am not fast enough to verbalize it. However, the concept works for me.  Also I read the first three out of 5 recommended books. continue reading...

Hello David,

I'd like to know why there are so few slaps on that song, and how or why do you choose where to use slaps. Thank you !

Hi David,

I don't have a chromatic harmonica. How can I play chromatic lessons pieces with diatonic harmonicas ?

Thanks,

Hi,

Is there a technique or APP that will allow me to remove vocals from a song. I am not aware of itunes or ASD catering to do this so assume that there must be an APP somewhere?

Hallo David, I have a doubt about assignment 2 on Improvising 2 (level 6):

- Do I have to take the track I recorded for Improvising 1 and reorder the choruses starting from the lowest just as they are, re-record it, and send it to you?- Or do I have to re-record the same track but with new improvisations and always order the choruses from the lowest to the highest focus notes?

Thank you so much for your great work.Tony

Hi David.  Recoverying from a stroke.  I am fortunate since I made the window of opportunity for the clot buster (tPA) by 15 minutes.  I was paralyzed on my left side when I entered the ER and walked out of the hospital in three days.  The first thing I did was to grab my harmonica to see if I remembered everything and for the most part I did.  Brain fog will exists however for several more months.  Well that is an interesting prologue to my question.  I am using the jam tract for Gm and I want to improvize in third position. continue reading...

Hi David,

I am haveing trouble recording my LOA submission on Garage Band. When I recored I am experiency a latent delay relative to the jam track so it sounds like I am behind the beat when I play back the combined recording. I am using an Ipad and I wonder if you know how to solve this issue or if others have had the same issue?  continue reading...

Good afternoon David

I have just logged in to learn the harmonica. I purchased a C harmonica (MS Series Blues Harp) from Joondalup Music store and see in your fundamentals session that I should be using an A harmonica? I don't really want to go out an purchase another instrument at this early stage in my learning. Can I use my existing instrument?

Cheers

Frank Cook

bikeridergtr@gmail.com