Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I really like your website. I'm a beginning harmonica player. My question is if you know of any other sites like your site that offer lessons for clarinet and/or saxophone. 

Thank you,

Jon

First, I wish I had found your site before I paid a lot of money for another instructor's DVD set; oh well. In the C intro lesson you mention "saying" words like Kaa Kaa and Koo Koo. I also know that Ta Ta and To To are used. Should I literrally be saying the words into the harp including all of the tongue movement? Ta Ta and To To when spoken completely close off part of the mouth at the very beginning of the syllable, which seems to contradict keeping the tongue down as instructed.

Hey David,

Last night I got over my stage fear and went on to the bandstand... I felt like I forgot everything I learned and my abilities dropped by at least 50%, I was pretty nevrous. my mouth and lips were dry in the first place but the air conditioner enhanced that effect on me, and the worst part is that I just could barely hear myself... :((

any tips on the matter?

Thanks in advance,

kobi

Hi there,

I purchased a C harmonica as my intro harmonica and then learned about this site and the very well organized lesson plan. Is there anyway to use the C harmonica for the course (I read something about using the amazing slow downer to change keys) or is the best way to get the lesson required hamonica?

Thanks,

Michael

David!

  I  was recently playing at a local blues jam and a song was played in C minor. What key harp coincides with C minor and how do you  get their?

Cordially,

Bruce Emery

I read your tip of the day about using your foot as a metronome. I find this extremely difficult and have been working hard on doing it. It reminds me of tapping your head with your hand and going in a circle with the other hand on your stomach, but much more difficult. I also play guitar and want to play both the guitar and harmonica at the same time, which falls into this same category, keeping time and doing 2 things at once. Is there any tips, tricks, or lessons that will help or do I just need to put in the painfully slow time of getting better at it?  continue reading...

Hi1 I can not find the new lesson on minor songs ! Thanks/Micha.

Im really puzzed about the notation and play approach referenced on Movement Exercises Ex 1.  The F and the A are referneced with the notation " as is the upper register B notated with an '.  I am unable to recreate those sounds so I expect there is something specal going on here.  I did not hear it brought out in the video.

Thanks

Gary

Hi. I am doing LOA3 and started trying to do the bends. On hole 2 and 3 I am able to get the correct note (almost) for a first step bend but it sounds choked and at half volume with horrible tone,  as if the bend is caused by me 'squeezing' the hole.  Any tips? 

Is there anyway one of the topics during the interviews could be about "Solo Harmonica"?  Some chugging?  I'm talking about solo harmonica being without the accompaniment of other instruments.  

None of the interviews really consist of them.  I'm very new with this, so maybe solo harmonica topic doesn't have enough for a segment of the interview. I don't know, I thought I would ask.    That is just the style that I love ... the sound of the harmonica all by itself.  

Thanks.