Ask Instructor David Barrett

Once I figured out the A lick in a chorus form can change from one chorus to the next in a particular song the overwhelming sense of repetetion disappeared and the entire process made much more sense. One chorus form I stumbled upon is ABA but couldn't find any reference of it from you. It seems as legitimate to me as the others so wondering if there's a reason, other than brevity, that you don't refer to it?

I'm new here and I'm sure this has been asked many times . I've been a pucker player for about a year and can move around the harp playing single notes confidently.

I'm new to TB and am haviing trouble in a couple of areas.

I cant seem to get my mouth wide enough to cover 4 holes without putting the harp so deep in my mouth that there hardly any of it left to hold on to.

When I do get the 4 holes covered the draw notes seem very week and are most of the time bent.

I use Harpninja to help me with getting the correct notes.

Hi David,

I've really been enjoying the site so far. Particularly tongue-blocking which I never learned to do previously. I'm pretty proficient at using tongue-blocking and slapping for "Walk With Me" and "Temperature."

Right now, I'm working on Solo Harmonica Study 1 and am trying to work out how to use my tongue with all the chords.  continue reading...

Hi David...when you play 5 hole draw octaves, in addition to making a wide frowning/smiling face, do you place the harmonica up higher on the tongue? Or is it basically on the same area as when you're in normal play?

This skill is a real challenge. Probably the hardest since the 3 hole bends.

Thanks...Fran 

On Joe Filisko's store site he refers to "ghost chording." What is this?

Before deciding last month to dedicate a big portion of my daily practice time to the site I was using several of your books. I'm continuing to use the books however at a reduced pace as I'm working on LOA starting at the beginning. With the books I've come to Ex. 4.6 in Accompaniment which is described as a funky blues. I recognize it as the tramp groove but it has a twist by adding in lots of b7's. Not too much of a problem on the IV and V chords but the I chord's 2" is a bit challenging for me in a tongue block at that pace and being used quite often. continue reading...

Really focussing in on monster tone guys like George Harmonica Smith, William Clarke, Rod Piazza and Gary Smith. I more than aware that tone starts with the player and technique but in listenint to and learning Clarke's 'Work Song', I'm wondering how much is added to that huge tone octave playing with mic/amp/effects?? Any clues or ideas? 

Great Mark Ford interview by the way!!

Hi David, where is the support material for this song?

David,

Just for fun I'm working on Big Walter Horton's Easy. Do you go through that as a study song at any point in the program or on the site?

Thanks,

Kirsty

David,

    I lost my printed copy of your detailed suggestions on allocation of study time and what/how to study.

    I can't seem to locate it again on the site. Can you direct me to it or re-post it?

     Thanks,

          Sandy