Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi, David:

I am getting a real charge out of "Blues for Big Nate." It's great fun. There are so many draw notes in Chorus 1, though, and I'm struggling to find time to exhale. When I listen close, it seems Jerry lets the 123 chord trail off a bit early, and I am assuming that he uses that time to control his breath. Your playing of Chorus 1 seems to confirm my guess.

Is this right? Should I let the tremolo die out a little early and use that time?

Hi Dave

I'm currently going through 'temperature' tong block study 2. When do I use tonge switching? Should I learn how to switch whenever playing hole number 1. For example when working down holes 3draw, 2draw should I switch to do the 1draw. This seems a bit difficult and doesn't really make sense. However I want to learn good technique.

Cheers

Adam

Hi David in      Solo Study 1: Working with a Metronome  Eighth Notes: Straight, Swing and Triplet you mention on the " click  my  Met clicks 2 lights" you hit the  Blow and when it clicks again draw  2 lights  I'm practicing  slow 53 bpm  and set at 4 beats. some times I can get the 2 lights on the blow and vice versa only  ex 1.2 is what I'm starting on. I don't know if I should do  1 and 2 and 3 and 4   or 1 e and 2 e  I'm Lost 

Thanks  Harplayer

Hi David... Hope you had a good weekend. Concerning the Wa Wa's in the 4th chorus of Quiet World: I cannot hold the 2 draw on a G harp strong enough to create the effect. My air runs out quickly. I replaced the note with a 3 blow and it sounds good. Any thoughts? Also, regarding tongue flutters. Is there a rule that says how fast your tongue should flutter? Should it flutter to the tempo of the song or does it just come down to what sounds good? Thanks...Fran

I finally found a guitar player who will jam with me.  I want to learn to accompany him.  He is asking for tunes he can practice before we meet.  Do you have any suggestions?

Hi David,

Could you please clarify whether I am correct regarding the following : When on hole 5 of the harmonica, for the one chord I am using 6 blow (G) for the four chord I am using 5 blow (E) and for the five chord I am using 4 draw (D).

Thank you for your help,

Regards,

Paul

Following your advice I started the LOA approach on the 1st of May and hope to soon send in my recordings after I figure out the necessary computer skills. That's an adventure! Wanted to mention one thing about LOA. I'm sure you've given this consideration but here goes anyways. The material is of course excellent. However, given that the different study areas are to be done concurrently I'm finding I put in a fair amount of effort deciding what to do next and then more time keeping track of what I've studied and completed. continue reading...

Saw this post in the what's new section. Looked at the lesson section and saw this but also so Study 1, 2 3, 6 and 7. Not being super familiar with the site I'm wondering why is there no 5 and 6. Is the numbering system related to LOA? Thanks!

Hi David

I was looking at Solo Harmonica Study 3, which is for advanced players but you have some bass lines as part of your  Level 5.

Anyway, it's of course very hard to slap into a 3-hole whole step bend, and, when I listen to you play example 2.1, I get the impression you're not slapping there (the A in measure 5).  Am I hearing right?  Is it OK to play it that way?

Thanks

What means "Blue Midnight" Bass Line and where does that term come from?

Thanks

Ralph