Ask Instructor David Barrett

I'm kind of working on harmonica at two levels.  I just discovered your site and am working my way through Walk With Me, the beginning accompaniment and beginning solo exercises.  But before I started here, I had been learning by ear, trying to teach myself licks to play the blues.  I know about choosing a harmonica that is a 4th above (or 5th below) the key of the song, but for Rock me Mama, which is in the key of A, I'm pretty sure the harmonica is also in the key of A.  Are you familiar with the song?  Can you confirm or set me straight?  Thanks so much!

David:

What do the LOA pins look like? I saw you sort of hold one up in a video but was interested in what they really look like? Or is the answer wait until you get one? :). I didn't see anything when I searched the word LOA pins in the forum.

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