Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I am right now going through Tongue blocking study 1, trying to practice song "Walk with me", but I have only a C harmonica and the backing track is for an A harmonica. 

I wonder whether you have a separate track for C harmonicas, or whether you have any other suggestions.

Thank you in advance. 

Hi Dave,

l would like to start incorporating some of the high end blow bends in my scale / harp ninja practice. 

Ive had some level of success but the 10' is elusive. could you point me to the best resources on BH.com for any tips?

Best,

Andrew

Hi David, continue reading...

Hi David,

I am completely stuck. I've studied your videos over and over and just cant grasp the idea of sequencing.

Ive been trying to sequence the following lick :

4' 4 4+3'2 2''2 3 2

Please can you go through the steps to get to the IV chord.

Have a great day

Regards,

Paul

Hi David,

I am interested in purchasing a couple of your Mel Bay beginner instructional books. But I see there are multiple method paths and associated books. What is the difference between Blues Harmonica Method, Level 1 and Basic Blues Harmonica Method, Level 1? Which do you recommend?

Great site here, by the way.

Thanks,

John

Any tips to help students who have tried the techniques in the vibrato lessons and are still having difficulty playing the vibrato?  Thanks.

Would it be appropriate to slap the single notes in this song?  I can't tell if you are or not in the recordings.

David, When listening to you play the examples in Solo Harmonica 2 I can't help but think you are playing a G harmonica vice an A harmonica. When I play along, my G harmonica sounds closer to the correct key. This has confused me for awhile now so I thought I would ask you directly what key harmonica you are actually using. Thanks

Hi David and good morning,

I'm learning all these wonderful licks from the study songs and placing them into the various chorus forms. So far so good. But as we know there are various genres of music. My question is, if we played licks from say my blues over a rock beat, it would neccessarily sound right because of the two differing genres of music. How do we make the licks fit.

Its driving me mad trying to get it right but I love the improvisation and want to try and nail it once and for all

Once again thank you for taking the time to read this.

Kind Regards, continue reading...

I have read where it is easier to play single notes if you tilt the harmonica up about 40 degrees.  Is that a good practice to use.

Orville Bierman