Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello instructor, how´s things??

I´ve started as a pucker player, and I was just trying to figure out WHY my bended notes don´t sound "solid". in fact  they are pretty much hard to get.. Also they sound a bit "airy" on A harp (-2), I pretty sure that when I try to get the maximum tone, they just "breake". It´s easyer for me to bend on C and D, but on the F it´s almost impossible (especially -2). continue reading...

To my untrained ears, I sometimes think the notes are being swung on the eight notes from 3rd chorus. My playing seems flat compared to yours.Or is that just better timing on your behalf??

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!