Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums

Ask Instructor David Barrett

Ask head instructor David Barrett questions regarding your lessons at BluesHarmonica.com

Chording/Slaps/Pulls

Posted Mon, 12/07/2015 - 19:11 by baruch.friedman...
baruch.friedman@medstar.net's picture

Dave in Section 1 chording, example 1.13 there is a 2 draw, followed by another 2 draw with a curved line linking to another 2 draw. What does that curved line mean - Do you just hold the 2 draw note for a longer duration?

In section 2 - Bass lines Ex 1.1 Im not visualizing what you mean by a slap. Also regarding the pull -  after the 2 draw you put your lips on 1&2 and then draw in the chord (21) or do you blow the chord (21)? Then when you do a 3 draw , are you now putting your lips on 3 notes to do a (321) chord?

  • 2 comments

Playing with Fluidity

Posted Sat, 12/05/2015 - 11:13 by Grant
Grant's picture

Hi David, how do I get my playing to become more fluid, i'm going through the folk songs in the first couple of lessons, and I don't have that legato sound that you have in the vidoes. Any feedback would be great.

Thanks

Grant

  • 2 comments

Draw note Tremolo

Posted Fri, 12/04/2015 - 14:03 by Grant
Grant's picture

Hi David, I'm really struggling with the tremolo on draw notes and was wondering if you could offer any advice?

 

thanks

Grant

  • 3 comments

Solo harmonica Study 1 - Chording

Posted Mon, 11/30/2015 - 17:57 by baruch.friedman...
baruch.friedman@medstar.net's picture

Dave Im getting lost here. For example 1.1 your 1 draw you say is essentially equivalent to the fuller chord 321 draw in ex 1.2, but in example 1.3 your 1 draw is now equivalent to the 21 draw in ex 1.4. Why does that change. Also I dont understand where tongue blocking occurs with chording - do you forgo tongue blocking and just use the pucker technique for chording. continue reading...

  • 1 comment

We Are The Blues CD

Posted Sun, 11/29/2015 - 18:10 by pfrizzell
pfrizzell's picture

Hi David,

Can I order the "We Are The Blues" CD from you? or is it here in the

Blues Harmonica website?  (maybe I didn't look in the right place?)

Thank you so very much...

Patsy

  • 1 comment

Harmonica Masters Workshop 2015

Posted Sun, 11/29/2015 - 09:31 by daniel thirion
daniel thirion's picture

Hi David,

Many thanks again for the excellent workshop in Trossingen. It was really a very nice week.

As I told you, I registred on your website, looking forward to making progress.

Sincerely yours,

 

daniel thirion 

  • 1 comment

Amplified Shakes

Posted Sun, 11/29/2015 - 07:27 by curciopaul@gmail.com
curciopaul@gmail.com's picture

Dave, I've watched your FAQ on shakes. Very helpful. 

 

My question is, what happens to your cup when you shake when amplified?  Do you hold it or let it go?

  • 3 comments

Tongue lowering

Posted Sat, 11/28/2015 - 20:03 by saigoutham
saigoutham's picture

Hi Barrett,

I am new to harmonica. I am really really enjoying this website after trying out many.I have a question. You mentioned that for a good embrochure tongue should be lowered.Is this to be followed all the time ? I find it difficult to lower the tongue while tongue blocking as I loose grip onto the holes. I watched a video for fundamentals. Can you please give me your suggestion on how to practise this ?

 

Regards,Sai.

  • 5 comments

Jump Blues

Posted Fri, 11/27/2015 - 22:19 by eldridge
eldridge's picture

my ultimate goal is to play jump blues with the blues harp. I love the way Louis jordan had these playfull exchanges between his alto and whomever was playing trumpet at the time. i want to have that same exchange with another harp. Also creating a big band like sound with two harps.

However, sometimes when i hear people talk about jump or swing the chromatic is mentioned. Am i learning on the wrong instrument for my goal? I hope not because i really love what Im learning.     Peace, Eldridge

 

  • 1 comment

Solo Study 2 Ex. 1.5

Posted Fri, 11/27/2015 - 09:58 by marcpinard
marcpinard's picture

I'm working on the Pull technique.........is the pull between the 5 blows at Ex 1.5 10th measure IV chord a draw or a blow?  The Pull technique can be done on both blows and draws, or just draws?  Thanks

  • 1 comment
  • « first
  • ‹ previous
  • …
  • 235
  • 236
  • 237
  • 238
  • 239
  • 240
  • 241
  • 242
  • 243
  • …
  • next ›
  • last »

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.comSyndicate content