Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi, David:

Hope your trip/surgery were both a success.

When I solo with a band (not as a bandleader), is it acceptable to give the band direction? For example, the signal to "play softer"? How about including breaks in a solo?

Hi

What kind of chromatic is Gary playing in this awesome tune. Looks and sounds like it might be a 16-hole chrom. Hohner? Wood comb? Model? Tuning?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyaYWDeeeK4

Regards

Patrick

Last Sunday at my local blues jam, the song that was called was Aretha Franklin's Dr. Feelgood in E.  I had played on the same song the previous Sunday and played in 2nd position.  Since this song has a very minor feel, I wanted to switch to 3rd position.  However, I only had my Low D harmonica, which I had just received in the mail the previous day. I decided to go for it anyway, and it went over very well.   continue reading...

Going through LOA 1, Solo Harmonica study 1, Working with a metronome.

You discuss that a swing/shuffle rhythm ….the eight notes are …down beat – long continue reading...

Hi Dave,

I was wondering what the difference is between the Mic and Instrument Inputs on the old amps from the 50's.  Which one do we want to be plugged into?

-Taylor

Hi david,

I'm trying to get to play those fast triplets but I can speed them up, I've been practising for a month on that. Expecialli the first triplet  3"" 3 4, any suggestion ?

I'm new to harp.  I have been working on bending study 1 for at least 2 months.  I can bend 1, 2 (1/2 and whole), 5 (to extent you can), and 6.  But 3 and 4 (which I have read are the "easiest to bend") allude me. I can only get them to start down a little - but less than a 1/2 step.  Is this a common problem?  Any ideas why?  Any suggestions would be appreciated as I don't seem to be getting any closer to making the bends.  Thanks.

Hi, David:

I'm having some struggles with Half-Steppin, not with the bends, but with the speed run in 4th bar of the 5th chorus. Those last four notes are really presenting a problem. I know that I can eventually get it, because I've overcome troubles with speed before, but it might take a few weeks. continue reading...

Hi David

im wondering at what stage do you suggest you send un your LOA submission?

I've been playing 'Walk with me' for about 6 weeks now and have moved on to LOA2 Temparature and the start of 'Freling for the blues' first section so I can work on the tongue block bending and slaps. 

I'm wanting to make sure I have the 'Walk with me' at the right level of proficiency before I submit it to you. 

I don't know if you can explain this easily, but how many mistakes etc do you accept for it to pass the grade?

Many Thanks

Richard 

Hi David, I'm a newby to your classes and want to tell you first of all how fantastic I think it is! I've been looking for something like this for years! I'm practicing almost every day now and love the content and structure of your lessons. I've recorded the test requirements with an I-phone app and they are in a MPEG-4 Audio (.m4a) format. Does this work for you, or can you explain how to save it as an MP3? Also, it seemed it wouldn't let me send in just the music and not the PDF. continue reading...