Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David...I have been working on my chorus forms.  I noticed that in some of our material, you use the ABC chorus form.  Examples would be in Gary's Blues and My Blues.  Up to LOA 5, you do not cover this chorus form.  Is this something I can look forward to in future levels?

Thanks, Homer.

Hi David I think this is simple question.  How do you recommend micing an amp through the PA?  Put an SM57 or similar about an inch from the speaker, maybe an inch or so from the edge, and start with a flat eq on the PA, no PA reverb or anything?  Any tips on sound-checking it?

I have a situation coming up where I may need to do this, not sure.

I'm guessing you don't do this very often, but I really liked the sound of the MegaTone amp miced through the PA in the bassman chronicles.  Do you recall what you did there?

Thanks!

Steve

Hi David,My question was regarding the IV chord in several of the Level of Achievement 2 compositions...Temperature, Accompaniment Study. The I, IV, V chords are 3+, 4+, 4 or 3+, 1+, 1 and yet there are instances of the IV chord as +2 (Temperature & Accomp.#2) and 5+ (Accomp.#2)

The chords work but they don't fit the I,IV, V typical note patterns. Can you clarify?

thanks,

Howard

Hi David,

I'm using a nice notation software but it doesn't have simbols like shakes and flutter tongue. Can you suggest one to write down my scores ?

David, is there a software or a conversion process that I could use to play, for example, classic Stephen Foster songs that are historical played in straight harp to 2nd positon, crossharp?

I know the songs, and I was going to work on playing them in octaves. I have found that with my U Blocking I can play the Octaves.  continue reading...

What are positions?

David,

I've started work on The Strut. My tongue-blocked bends aren't accurate, especially on the 3s. Until that's improved, should I just stick to doing the double notes in the first chorus as the lower single notes, or should I go ahead and go for the doubles? In other words, is doing the doubles also a useful exercise to get the bends developed?

Thanks!

Kirsty

In the hand position the "pinch"  can you play numbers 8 9 and 10

Hi Dave

I made an  observation in the lessons video's when you switch hands w/ harmonica and play with the right hand, I can see how your jaw is moving. But just by " Habit " you put back in the left hand and covers your jaw movement. It would be better if  " We " B.H. Students could see your Jaw movement and  how your doing it. in my opinion  

Thanks  Harplayer

i am working on the Strut and just one note eludes me. 

For some reason I cannot get the 6 hole bend in chorus 6 measure 9. In fact that whole chorus is quite a challenge. When attempting the bend I can get it fine in a pucker embouchure but, fortunately, I have become almost exclusive TB player. 

So switching just to get that note is most inconvenient. Although in attempting blow bends that's what I have to do. Any suggestions on this one problematic issue on the D harp? Lower keys for this note are not an issue. 

John