Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

Hi Daivd,

In chorus 4 of blowin my horn there something strange with the timing.

What's played starts 1 quarter tone before what's indicated in on the score..... or I'm drunk ? :)

Regards

Hi David,

can you tell me where I find the lesson how to blow two holes at a time. I searched the website and the forum but couldn't find the topic. I assume it's by tongue blocking but I find it rather difficult to perform. I'd need some tips for training.

Thank you very much in advance.

I really like your lessons. Carry on like this.

Best wishes from Coburg/Germany

Hans

Hi, David:

I'm working through "The Split" and noticed that you use the major 7th of the IV chord in Chorus 3. I was surprised you made no mention of this in the video. It might be as simple as "I thought it sounded good", but is there any reason for using the major 7?

The Harp I received for Christmas is a blues Bender. What key is this?