Ask Instructor David Barrett

I just received this harmonica was a gift and have little to no experience playing whatsoever. I tried to start with some bigginer videos but I didn't find anything introductory. Is there anything that could get me started on the core basics so that I get an idea of how to play? If I can get rolling then I know I will be able to start progressing.

In the Accompaniment book the arrangement for Ex. 4.18 Boom, Boom, Boom has a 3 beat pickup before each chord change. In all cases, except for the pickup before the IV chord, the last pickup note is 2". While I can see that the 1 draw looks like a better choice before the IV chord root I don't hear anything amiss with the 2". Was wondering if it sounds better to you or perhaps you had some other reason for making that choice? Thanks!

Hi David,

Where in Ryan Walker's study lessons was solo 2 in 12 bar? I am unable to find it now.  It was the

toe-tappin solo.  solo study #2...

my other question is that I don't understand how to do tremolo on holes 1 & 4 with tongue vibrato?

If I use my tongue to block holes 2 & 3, then I'd have to move my tongue to be able to do the

tongue vibrato. 

 Also, I'm just starting my journey on learning to tongue block bend.  Is there a book on just this subject?

I'm grateful for your help.

Patricia Frizzell continue reading...

Solo Harmonica in LOA 4 says work on Ex. 2.1 and Ex. 2.2. These are bass lines with lots of pulls. We covered these in LOA 3. Is the intention that they're so important the student should go back and continue to work on these throughout LOA 4? My pulls are getting much better when isolated but in a musical sense are weak so I've got no problems with continuing to work on them, just want to ensure I'm doing what's recommended. Thanks!

You and Joe T. have a very clear conversation about the chorus form used in the 5th chorus. My understanding is because bar 10 deviates so much from bar 2 you agree to call the chorus form A A1 B. But it's labelled A A1 A2 on the written music. Was the Joe video a correction and should I relabel my copy? Thanks!

Hey David, what chance of you posting a series that isolates your full range of backing grooves you've used to back the great list of interview playouts you've done on BH.COM? 

It strikes me that learning those grooves would be great for us all so we can back fellow harp players and get some practice together in exactly the way you have pioneered.

What do you think?

My experience with the study songs up to the end of LOA 3 is that I found I was focusing so much on the notes and the techniques that chorus forms were an afterthought even though they were also being studied at an introductory level. But then I really paid attention to the written music and noted that you've labelled each verse with its chorus form. So reviewing each verse and comparing it to the chorus form has begun to make the songs easier to understand. continue reading...

Hey David... I can hit the blow bends fairly well while puckering but can't seem to get much of any bend at all while tongue blocking. Yes I can draw bend quite well while tongue blocking the low notes. Is this a common conundrum? I would like to be able to tongue block them to ward off those squeaky unwanted notes that puckering accidentily hits. Suggestions? Fran

Hi David,

Thanks for your great website. It's an inspiring environment for me.

My name is Tim Crins. I play in a Dutch blues/rock 'n roll coverband (www.route66band.nl)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W2LXPy8nxA

On this youtube video you can hear and see my playing (a piece of) Gary Smith's 'Don't Let Go'. I'm using the green bullet.

Can you please give me some feedback?

Thank you in advance.

Best wishes,

Tim

Hi David,

I'm working on the second bending study and my bends are coming along. I had to take a week off due to a painful cut in my mouth and now that I've started practicing again. Ever since I've been back, I am finding that I am having a lot of trouble with the 6 draw on my A harmonica (MB special 20). continue reading...