Ask Instructor David Barrett

On the "wa" at the end of measure 8 of Sonny's Bird, it doesn't sound like you're doing a dip despite the marking, just a Wa.  Is that right?

Thank you

Would like to ensure I'm 100% about the chorus form concept.

In LOA 1 I took two licks and made them A. I then used them as A in five different chorus forms each. Each chorus form is a different solo as much of the material changes except the A stays the same so I've got five solos for each lick. I wouldn't be likely to keep using the same A over and over so given I started with two A licks I'm more likely to have two solos. Of course I could always come back to an A lick I like and repeat it in the same chorus form or change it up a bit. continue reading...

hello instructor. I´m very sorry to disturb you... but there are some things that I don´t understand! continue reading...

Hi David,

We have met on a couple of occasions. Germany 2012 & SPAH last year.  I just subscribed to your site for 12 months.

I am very very happy with the content of your site.  I signed up because of Joe Filisko.  He's truly an inspiration.

I was wondering where I could get the tabs for the Boogie Woogie Base lines that Joe plays in the interview he talks of the importance of "Understanding Blues Structure"

This is the most comprehensive, interesting, informative site out there. Inspirational!

I wish you lot's of luck.   continue reading...

While working on making the change from 4 hole octaves to 5 hole octaves I found myself trying to tongue switch while holding a 5 hole octave. For instance switching between 4 and 8 on the V chord. I did this because part of my learning to switch to hole 1 involves going from 4 to 1 with the octave in-between. But the five hole embouchure is a bit trickier as switching involves tongue blocking 4 holes in the wider embouchure. Is this worth pursuing? Thanks!

I purchased a harmonica in key of C. I am a complete beginner.  Should I have purchased a harmonica in a different key?

Hi David,

Im trying to learn rollin rhumba version 1. Daft as it may seem, I cannot grasp the beat and my playing is way off.

While on the same subject, in blues creepin over me version 1, on the 1st line I have real trouble in playing bar 5 where there is a shake leading to a 4+ 3 in terms of keeping the beat.

I have tried to tap out a beat with my foot but to no avail.

Have you any suggestions as I'm struggling to move forard in these two songs.

Thank you for your help,

Paul

Jam #4 in this book is described as being minor with a major feel. Comparing it to jam #8, a minor song, there's a distinct difference in feel but I can't put my finger on just where the difference is coming from. If jam #4 is in minor it's difficult for me to determine where the minor aspect is coming from. The chords are in capital Roman numerals so they appear to be major. Is there something I'm overlooking? Thanks!

Hi David,

I tried to do vibrato for the first time, and it was really challenging. I recorded the attempt and uploaded it to an mp3 file, I wonder if you could have a listen perhaps and tell me if i'm close cause close to the middle the it felt llike something is happening but I want to make sure im in the right direction.

Here is the link:http://picosong.com/PXhAthanks,

kobi

Really like this rhythm pattern in your book. The root octave being played on the and of each beat gives a great John Lee Hooker boogie feel when used with the b7/root split on the first beat of the pattern. As a guitar player I initially had to watch my breathing in this simple pattern mostly because on guitar I'd play the and as an upstroke and for some reason this impacted my harp breathing but a bit of practice quickly cured that. One question. Can you think of any songs where the harp uses this rhythm? Thanks!