Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David...Tongue Blocking Study, Level 4, The Split, does not appear to be in the LOA study plan, but doe seem to have some relevant material and skills.  Should I be working through The Split at the same time that I am working through level 5?  Just wondering where it fits in.

Homer.

Hi,

Solo Harmonica Study 2, Example 1.5. Watching the video you explain the different techniques, however my written example hasn't notations except for the 6 blow flutter. Am I missing something? Once again thank you so much for your time.

Bob

Hi David,

I am having problems with the five hole on my harmonica.  It is fine playing scales etc but when I try and play the runs in some of your songs eg Walk with Me 1st line 3rd chorus or Feelin' for the  Blues 1st/2nd lines 4th chorus the 5+ hardly ever sounds. It seems to stall.  Is it a technique problem or a problem with the harmonica?

Really enjoying the lessons but this five hole is really starting to bug me!

Andy

Example number 4.

Any suggestion about  the first meausere, where holes 2 and 3 are bended. I found difficult going from 2'' to 2 then 3'' and back again to 2".

Hi Dave

I have a query with the Rhumba bass line 2.6 from solo harmonica 1.

I am hearing something different on the mpg recordings to what you discribe on the video lesson. You say say that the chords should not have any articulation. However, I  think I am hearing some sort of articulation when the the 123 blow chord is played. Is this just my ears? I don't seem to get the same sound when I just blow (breathe) those 3 notes. continue reading...

In Beginner 1 Movement Exercises - Application, you are using a Bb and accompanying yourself With a piece from Tongue Block study 4 in F. where is this peice on the site?

I have a question about tb-technique. When I tongue-block hole one to play hole 2 I got a more exact and cleaner sound when i use more oft he tip oft he tongue to block hole one. The more I move my tongue to the left and the righ side of the tongue covers hole one  the sound gets more „dirty“ and less exact -  especially the drawsound is lacking pressure when I do so. continue reading...

Hi David... Any instructions on over blowing?

So I have been spending 15-20 minutes each day working on improvising using all of the chorus forms. I can't help but notice that all of the licks I came up with - they suck. I don't want to take the easy way out by just copying licks from another song though..What should I do?Thanks.

I am currently working on Accompaniment Study 1. To complete my homework for the AAA Chorus form, I need to find a four bar lick to repeat. In a real life jam situation, when using the AAA Chorus form as the foundation for a solo, would it be okay if my "A" riff was an easily recognizable riff? For example, the vocal line of "Rock Around the Clock"? I'm sure it would sound okay, but would this be rude to the other bandmembers? Like I'm playing a different song from them?

Or, would hearing this riff inspire the band to move in a different direction with the song?