Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David.

I've been really putting a concerted effort into tongue blocking and am now able to do most draw bends while tongue blocking.  I am noticing, however, in the second bar when you get the 4' 3 2 3+ 3+ run I just can't move quick enough with the tongue block.  I end up with a crappy bend on the 4' and a chord for the 3 and sometimes the 2.  Is this an example when you might switch to a pucker embouchure for parts of the run and then back to tongue blocking? 

Are you playing the entire arrangement tongue blocked or do you switch it up? continue reading...

Good morning, David:

In your "Accompaniment Study 4-Fills", you mention that repetition of fills is a good way to introduce a theme to a song. It also follows the typical vocal phrasing of AAB. Are you suggesting repetition within a single chorus, or do you recommend using the same fill through the entire song?

Also, when you discuss "peeking in the cracks", the playing seems pretty active. We are playing in the cracks, playing the fills, and playing behind the vocals. Because it's so busy, should I limit myself to the 1st of the chord when playing behind vocals?

David, I love R&B oldies and maybe not so oldies 70s - 80s.

What songs come to mind that have harmonica parts in them that I could practice.

Other than the blues genre, what artists did you like and jam to?

Stevie Wonder etc.

Will

I'm trying to play a simple chorus, simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer, just the Lay la Lay parts in the chorus, any suggestions with what keys would sound better? thank youu!!!!!!!!!!!

David,

Should I be working to incorporate slaps into Feeling for the Blues as I go on? In fact, more generically, should I be using slaps almost as a matter of course in my playing, to get richer sound?

Thanks!

David, in your last Tip Of The Day you wrote:

"This week I'll share with you my favorite passages from Gerald Klickstein's book, "The Musician’s Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness" Oxford University Press, www.oup.com ISBN 978-0-19-534313-7 continue reading...

Hi Dave continue reading...

Hi David,

Gary's Blues is a lot of fun to work on and I really enjoy the technical and cool licks. At first its really tough but luckily, as you state over and over, it gets easier. continue reading...

My name is Jason and I'm 37. I am just now deciding to play the harmonica. I have always wanted to play but with growing up in a family with not alot of money things just didnt seem to work out.  I am a disabled veteran and have some time now. Few days ago I bought my Hohner Special 20 key of C harmonica and saw the free offer for your sight. After doing research I saw on several sites that your site is the place to go to learn the harmonica. I am not sure there is any particular style I want to learn but it seems that you teach all the basics and then some. continue reading...

Hi Dave

I have been practising accompaniment playing 2 (I want you with me). I was wondering if you recommend playing this with slaps (the 1 hole excepted).

I also tried playing the solo with a wa wa type technique i.e. basically playing two bars using one or two breathes. Do you recomend playing this way.

Thanks in advance