Ask Instructor David Barrett

I was a long time student of David's but havene't been an online member for a while, but lo and behold I guess I have a temporary membership, because I get a free month when I buy a harmonica from Richard Sleigh. So I wanted to post David's answer to my question for everyone's benefit:

Here's my question: continue reading...

Hello Instructor, sorry for disturbing you again! Hope you´re doing all right.

Just a little thing that I didn´t get: What´s the difference between the AAB chorus form, and the AAB with fills? In general, they are both the same! right? Because if I do 2 repetitions of the same lick (AA) an then a different one (B), it becomes (AAB) and if I do two reps of the same lick (AA) and then a different one (with 2 measures for example) (B) and then a turnaround I´m doing the same thing! continue reading...

When doing Ex. 2.3, Acc. Playing #5 for LOA5, are we limited to playing chord tones on the hole that we're on, or can we play any note on the current hole?  Can we play passing tones or use rhythmic effects available on the current hole? 

Do you want us to try to make music, using Chord Forms if desired, or just clearly outline the chord changes?

Hi

I have recently started recording myself. I find I have developed a problem that I am having trouble rectifying.

When practising bends eg 3' to 3" bend in the cupping and Hand effects lesson. I seem to get an momentary "audible stream" of air before the bend happens or as it is happening. I can't hear a similar thing on your study recording.

Can you offer a way I can improve my technique.

Thanks

Hi David.  I was doing lessons here for a little bit earlier this year using the free 30-day trial that came with my harmonica and I've just gotten a paid subscription to the site. continue reading...

Hello instructor! how are you doing??

I just have a quick question about bringuing the harp to the side, towards the right cheek. I know this is good to get a darker and deeper tone, but it gets more difficult to do the tongue switch, and octaves, but it´s easier to bend.I´ve been tilting the harp for so much time, and now i´m having trouble to do the bends with the harp in front of the mounth, and specially to always cover four holes with the mouth. Right now I´m at LOA 5, and I did get there tilting the harp to the right., and back to left when I need to tongue switch. continue reading...

Hi David,

When improvising, could I mix riffs (I think thats the right word) from say a Garys Blues (Which would I be right in saying is a shuffle) and The Strut (Which is a rock beat).

Many Thanks,

Paul

Hi Dave

I have  questions in relation to solo harmonica 2 Ex 1.8

What is the technique indicated by the solid note combinations with an x under them (bars 5 & 6) in contrast to the pull technique indicated by sloping lines.

Also the music indicates that the single note is followed by either a combination of 2 or 3 (bars 5 & 6) when playing the blow notes, but it is all three note combinations for the draw notes (bars 9 & 10). Why is this so?

Best wishes

There are a number of videos in Ryan's list that clearly indicate they're associated with Improvising Study 2 or 3. There are also a number that just say Improvising. Some of the titles seem a bit outside of Improvsing Study 1 or at least seem to indicate the material is a bit different. Would it be reasonable to continue on through these Improvising videos at the LOA 4 level? Thanks!