Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I have just started out on your training and have a Hohner Silverstar C harmonica. Is it ok to use the C harmonica for the starting lessons(where you mention using Key A)? I am very new and have no background on music including understanding Key A, C, G, D, B Flat etc. Your lessons are very well structured.

Thanks

Vikash

Hi David! Could you have a listen at these two snippets, and advise whether that weird sound (kinda rattle) from my 2 draw bending on a D harp is the effect of bad technique or a reed problem? I only started to use the D harp a week ago, so it could be I haven't adjusted my mouth accordingly yet. Thank you.

https://soundcloud.com/stefieblue/reed-problem-1

https://soundcloud.com/stefieblue/reed-problem-2

Hi David,

I love the course so far, but I seem to have missed something important!

Walk With Me starts with a 3 draw, but I have no idea how to tongue block it. I understand how to "block 3 holes" to play a 4 hole or "tongue switch" to hit the 1 hole, but what about holes 2 and 3? I don't recall (and can't find) you talking about this.

So, how do I even start? How to draw 3 without puckering?

I will guess just slide my tongue more to the left...do it again for hole 2? Two hole feels weirder than weird this way.

Sorry to be so confused, Help me. continue reading...

Hi David,

In the seventh and eighth measures of the fourth chorus of your MP3 recording of "Feelin' for the Blues", it's the notes from "Walk With Me" and not the melodic run down from the 6+ shown in the sheet music. I've been just practicing and playing from this recording in my car so when I started reading and playing from the sheet music I thought I was losing it. 

Thanks,

Hugh

In the opening video of LOA3 you say that for the accompaniment section you want us to play on one hole for a verse using the notes available on that hole to follow the chords. Then the second hole for a verse, up to hole 6.

Have I understood that right?

Is a verse the whole 12 bars? In which case do I submit 6 versions? One for each hole? (Is that even possible?)

Thanks.

Hello...

Please could you tell me how can i get such trumpet sound like yours in the recording. It is just apm or something else ?

Thanks for your answer.

M.

I am getting a bit confused. I could probably work it out but maybe I am missing something fundemental. For LOA3 the Accompaniment Playing, Study 3  section....I have followed it and understand the principles and did a chart blocking in the holes for each chord. i, iV, V to see if you can just vamp along chording to a 12 bar blues using three holes blow or draw with a bit of movement.

Am I right in thinking that you can play an actual 3 notes chord for I and iV, but that it is impossible to do a three notes chord for the V because of the F# continue reading...

As I begin recording for LOA5 a few questions come to mind. 

First, in Solo study 3 I have practiced my G harp into oblivion. Is it just fine to record using a different key of my choice?

I would like to think the same answer for scale studies in this case G major Pentantonic. 

Solo study 3 you are asking for an example from section 2 Bass lines. I see in level 6 an example from Section 1 is required. As it seems odd to do 2 before 1, I wanted to clarify. Both sections1 and 2 are a lot of fun I will add. 

John

This is a very amateur effortto replicate Imagine on my harp. AM just 1 week old into it and wanted to know what can I do besides practising regularly, to improve the quality of the sound. 

Also, What is the correct sequence in learning harmonica? LIke learn the chords, then the single notes, then bending etc. Could you help me with that? Am I starting to learn songs a bit too early?

PLease guide.

I need someone to call me, PLEASE.  I have tried several times since signing up for the free 30 day lesson....which will expire soon, but I can't get into the site.  PLEASE call me to help.

Steve Carey

972-658-3738