Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

Hi David,

I was looking at the pdf and it contains 12 exercises.

I noticed that 2.1, 2.2 and 2.6 are focused in level 5 and 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.7 in level 6.

When do you suggest to study the rest (1.1, 1.2, and 2.5)? My approach would be to focus on those at the end of level 6.

Thanks

Hi David

i was looking at your Movement Exercises -- Patterns -- working on ex. 2 as the others seem a bit difficut for the time being.  I was wondering whether these exercises come up in the LOAs, if so, at what levels and, if not, when would be a good time to work on them.  I didn't see them in LOA at a glance.

Thanks

Hello David. Why should I struggle learning to play minor position on a major tuned harp when I can run out and buy a minor tuned one? Is that 'cheating'? Thanks.

Hi David,

As part of my improvisation studies, and as you recommend, I am going through the study songs and making a note of my favourite licks etc.... My question is, instead of writing the music out by hand, is there a progamme that  can be downloaded or purchased.

Although its taking time, I'm finally understanding the improvisation process.

Regards,

Paul