Ask Instructor David Barrett

Regarding Solo Harmonica Study 1, Ex. 1.10 (Three Harp Boggie - James Cotton)....the First two eigth notes

1 draw ( D) and then 2 draw  (G) ,  are you tongue blocking both the 1 draw to the 2 draw or puckering...challanging to get a good tone on the 2 draw when tongue blocking,....I am assuming tongue blocking just because of the

emphasis on it....none-the-less...just want to make sure ?

           Thank you for your time continue reading...

Hey David, I like the way you teach. Despite that I am kinda lost. Bought a C hohner to start learning. I dont get the order of the lessons. Do I really need a A or G harmonica to go along with the lessons? Thanks.

Hi David,

I've watched all the videos on you and ryan performing the side pull many times over in the last few weeks. However, I still do not understand how to perform the side pull so that the correct sound is produced from the harmonica.

Please help,

Many thanks,

Paul

Hi David, Im now and find your lessons very professional and useful.  I have stuggled with top of tongue blocking as I make gallons of water in my mouth.  I have had better success in using the bottom of my tongue keeping the tip on the upper not lower edge.  Ive been able to do (now) 1b & 4b succesfull.  As a former sax player Im mindful of starting off with bad habits that can before liabilities later.  Is there any real problem using this technique?  It allows me to avoid turning the harp into a fountain.

Hi there David

I'm a professional bassist who has just begun to pursue a long fascination with the Blues harp. I'm a bit intimidated by the sheer  volume of material on your site! It's an incredible resource. I've been puckering until now and I'm getting my face around the tongue block technique that you advise. But what is the recommended method for playing single notes on holes 1-3? And while I'm at it, do you mind telling me (no doubt it comes up in later lessons): is the pucker still used for bending and timbral variation even after you master the tongue block?  continue reading...

Hi Dave,

Any suggestions for getting my Bassman off the floor?  I've just been setting it on a folding chair but I'm looking for something more sturdy.

Thank you,

Taylor

Hi David...I have a question about chorus #8 in Shakey's Shuffle.  When I listen to the chording going on in the first four bars, it sounds like you are using your hands\cup to contribute to the effect, kind of in a wha wha type of sound.  Sounds like you may be opening your cup on every other triplet.  In the video instruction, you do not mention this.  Am I hearing what I think I am hearing?

Homer.

All harmonica lessons I have seen say that the harmonica should be held with the numbers facing up. This feels very awkward to me and I always seem to be more comfortable with the  the numbers facing down. Does it really matter?

Hi David,

When performing a 2 draw dip, is the 2 draw dip an actual note.

Regards,

Paul

Hi David,

I'm just about to start LOA Level 5 material. However,I've been reviewing the previous four LOA material and there is a lot of information that you have provided. What advice could you give on the best method to retain this information because to be honest I have forgotten some of it. Or is it a case of that the latest level that you are learning replaces what you have learnt previously because its more advanced.

Thank you for you help,

Paul