Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi Dave, I live in San Diego but might be up in the bay area around the 19th of June. I was wondering how the private lessons work; how much lead time do you need, how do I schedule, how much do they cost, where you're at, etc.

I'm really enjoying the website and feel my playing has improved dramatically since I started!

Thanks again,

Jay Gross

Hi David,

Reference exercise 2.5, regarding hole 2 half step bend, is this a flat 7 and on the same hole is the whole step bend the 7th degree. Regarding hole 9 half step blow bend is this a flat 7. I'm getting myself vey confused, please can you explain.

Many Thanks,

Paul

Hi, I'm just starting out on the site and have gone thru the TB Study 1. But on Solo Study 1 still having trouble with whether to (or how to) TB holes 1, 2 and 1-2 as in exercise 1.10 (and others). From the video, I can't really see how David's playing it. The big problem for me is where to put my tongue. continue reading...

Hi Sir 

I am Nagendra singh ,I want to know which software you are using ,which is displaying the position of notes in your lessons.

I want this software.

Thanks

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...