Ask Instructor David Barrett

David:I am a little confused regarding the tongue block pull notation used in the V-IV-I transition licks of Improvising Study 4.   In Example 11, over the V-chord, the notation shows 4-draw on the downbeat followed by a pull on the upbeat, where the pull is notated as involving all the notes of the chord (1234).  However, in Example 12, the notation for the pull following the first 4-draw shows only three notes of the chord (123). Can you explain the difference in notation/technique?

Hi David,

I've picked up a free month trial on the 31st of December after buying a Big River Harp on key of C. After 2 days on intense training, I'm in paternity leave for 5 weeks so got tons of time on ym hand in between each diapers change, I went and baught a Special 20 in A key to start the main lessons in the hopes of following the LOA program and subscribe after my free month trial.

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Hello,

I was given a Special 20 C Harmonica as a gift with the 30 day trial for lessons. I have never played harmonica before and looking forward to learning. Unfortunately, it says I need the A Harmonica for the first lesson. Is there any way for me to work around this? Do I have to figure things out for myself? 

Suggestions?

Thanks very much.

Hello,

I was given a Special 20 C Harmonica as a gift with the 30 day trial for lessons. I have never played harmonica before and looking forward to learning. Unfortunately, it says I need the A Harmonica for the first lesson. Is there any way for me to work around this? Do I have to figure things out for myself? 

Suggestions?

Thanks very much.

Hello David,

(Look for the TL;DR if you'd like to skip the intro) continue reading...

I have an opportunity to buy a Sonny Jr.Blues Cruncher amp from the friend of a guitarist I play with.Are you familiar with this amp;if so ,any comments or opinions.I've seen a video of him paying and the amp sounds good,very muddy.

Thanks,John Vallee

Hi Dave, I was looking for the filming when you made the CD in the studio.  I can't find it.  It's probably right in front of my face.  Any clues?

Thanks.

I am Just curious, I noticed that ... For Solo Harmonica Study 2.....for the LOA 2  - you had us use the G harp,

and for LOA 3  - now we are to the the " A " Harp....why ?

  Thank you for your time

                   Steven Barta

I am just learning tongue blocking and the song walk with me. I have been practicing my tongue blocking and have gotten through the 4th chorus. As I was playing I felt the sound while tongue blocking was no different then lip pursing, I recorded what I play both ways and i dont hear a difference. Is this normal early on or can I only assume I am tongue blocking incorrectly.   

In advance, thank you 

Gregg

Greetings David!

I seem to do well practicing draw bend except when I get to the 2nd and 1st holes. The 2nd hole in particular gives me a very bad time. When I try a full step draw bend it sounds like I'm torturing a small animal.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris