Ask Instructor David Barrett

David:
I have been focusing now on working my 2" and 3" whole step bends. Songs I am starting work on have these in abundance. Harp-Ninja has been helpful to allow me to work on matching the pitch. While I have been able to usually match pitch, subjectively my playing of those bends sound a little sour and not as smooth. Besides obviously practicing them every day, are there any tips on improving my tone on these whole step bends (i.e. embrouchure, tongue position, bend control)?

Thanks

Brian

There are pulls on the V chord but just starting LOA 3 I don't believe I've encountered pulls before other than hearing they're coming later. Lifts were covered though. Looking throught the site I've found pulls in Joe T lessons and will go there now but is there a lesson I've missed and could go to as well? Thanks!

Heard this reference in a Joe T bending lesson as being applicable to the 3 draw whole step bend. Would you happen to have one for the 2 draw bend(s)?

Interesting hearing Joe Filisko talk about bending as it makes my struggles feel more universal so I'm now taking my lack of progress a bit less personally.

One of the things I'm working on is a Born In Chicago riff at the low end so my version is 5th 7b 7 Root. At the low end that means 1 2" 2' and 2 or D F F# and G. Very challenging to get solid clean notes that match the guitar perfectly. To help with the bends I'm using Kuuuhh for the whole step bend and Keee for the half step. For the 2 root note I tend to use eeee without the K as that might initiate a bend. continue reading...

Hi David,

I was thinking about how to deal with memory of the songs.

I learn a new study song or generically a song. I work sticking at the score until I record it.

After months, when I review the repertoire I play the songs, but some small detail are forgotten (like a single note or one pull or slap here and there). Nothing that changes the meaning of what I'm playing, just a detail. continue reading...

I find when I'm playing Solo Harmonica Study 2 material my natural tendency is to read the music rather than the tab and that leads me to almost always playing the low root note using 2 draw. Then looking at the tab I see you quite often seem to make a deliberate choice between the two possiblilites. At the speeds I'm practicing at there's no issue but I'm wondering if I should follow your tab more closely to head off any future bad habits? For instance, might I have trouble getting air out? Thanks!

Hi David...There is a video of Bonnie Raitt doing Runaway on YouTube. The harmonica solo is interesting. He plays a different harp for every chord change. The song is in Cm so why doesn't he use a Bb harp in 3rd position or a F in 2nd for the entire 8 bars? Here's the video if you haven't seen it. Its quite impressive. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HPzcZNgVfpA Thanks...Fran

LOA 4's goal is to complete Homework #1. LOA 5's goal is to complete Homework #3. Not sure about #2. My question is "Is it necessary to complete all of the prep videos before attempting Homework #1 in LOA 4?" Thanks!

As mentioned in an earlier post I really enjoy the Joe T. and Ryan videos. They compliment your teaching videos by making me feel like I'm part of a group lesson. Then being able to ask you questions here completes the process.

One question about Accompaniment 2. It looks as if there are no Joe T. videos. As for Ryan, I can only find the one video though Ryan seems to be more involved in Accompaniment 3. Is this correct as I don't want to overlook anything? Thanks!

1)  I am just starting but want to use a good brand harmonica.  Intrested in bends and soulful playing.  What is the best for blues/rock/jazz.  I don't think I'll be playing any country.

2)  I have purchased a few harmonicas on ebay.  It seems that those and the new one I bought from the store have a really weak, hard to play 2 draw.  I tried adjusting the reed.  Are all harmonicas like that?  Why is it not as solid as the 3 blow?  (Are there some brands that have eliminated this problem?) continue reading...