Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi, David:

I'm working out the notes and hole changes for different positions. Would you double check my work?

On a C harmonica:

2nd Position- Key of G

I- G B D F

IV- C E G Bb

V- D F# A C

3rd Position- Key of D

I- D F# A C

IV- G B D F

V- A C E G

1st Position- Key of C

I- C E G Bb

IV- F A C Eb

V- G B D F

Thank you!

I am having trouble with tongue switching on the 1 and 2 holes.  I am under 5' tall and my dentist will testify that I have a very small mouth (the mouth of a child).  I taught myself to tongue block a long time ago, and have no problem with the right side of my mouth.  But the left corner of my mouth is getting sore, and it is difficut to cover all the holes I need to cover with my tongue.  Is it common for people to do better on one side of their mouth?   

Hi David 

In Lesson 1 - Solo Harmonica Study 1, Examples 1.8 through 1.12 with Ryan , your showing  ex 1.10  and a pull I don't see the pull on the pdf where do you do the pull? Also when is Hob's first lesson up?

Thanks  

Hi David,

Being that it can take quite awhile to master the tremolo, should I wait until that's accomplished before submitting the first study song?

I'm really enjoying the site and the challenge of learning to tongue block after spending so many years lip pursing and not having the instruction you provide here.

Thanks so much,

Hugh

Aloha David,

       If you're familiar with this song, what would your speech be to the band and how would you start and end it ,as leader?

I am enjoying working with the site and appreciate your hard work on our behalf! BTW, when is the next big MASTERCLASS? Joining you is at the top of my bucket list!

       Many Thanks,

              Sandy

Hello David,

I would like to ask you a question concerning the Solo Harmonica Study 1. I got my first harmonica, which is in key of C, checked out your intro lesson for C harmonica and after one week of playing simple melodies on holes 4-7 using tongue blocking technique I jumped into Solo lesson since this is a style of playing that I'm really interested about. Perhaps it was my mistake as I'm not used to sound of harmonica yet, and I only have C harmonica so I can't apply the sound from your videos directly. continue reading...

dear Mr Barret 

it is about a week that i have subscribed to your great course and i have to say it is amazing and great and i am very thankful to your effort. 

today i bought a G harp for solo practice ( LOA 1 ) . it is a Hohner Blues harp. 

there is no problem except on 1 hole draw that the sound is not clear it seems that the reeds are crashing the palate . i hear a metal small sound . 

but there are times that the 1hole draw is ok. and again the sound appears.  continue reading...

Hi David,

Reference diagram 5.4, I'm not understanding the concept of moving anti-clockwise. Please can you explain.

Kind Regards,

Paul

David,

I have 3 sets of harmonicas that I purchased to try out: Hohner Crossover, Suzuki Promaster, and Seydel Session Steel. continue reading...

Hi, David.  I'm workining on Level 2 of the Levels Of Achievement and specifically execise 1.5 of the Solo Harmonica Study 2. continue reading...