Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

the notated tempo of the examples is much slower than you play it when you do it "up to tempo" - is it ok when I record my assignements at a higher tempo than indicated? 

Greetings - KAI

I posted tis in "Gear", but no responses, so..

I am new to the LOA, and have harps in keys C, A, and G. Are there any other keys I need? They are all Special 20's, so I would like to have the ones I need for the course, but can wait on the extras till later on.  thanks

Hi Dave, 

where In the studies would you suggest for a beginner to pick up some tricks in learning slow blues, as wel as, some recommendations who to listen to for easier slow blues, to more advanced slow blues playing Please? I started off with the studies with really no interest in slow blues, but as I practice, slow blues has really caught my attention.  Cheers.

ps I also picked up the harp ninja, and it really does help alot. many thanks for that advice too! 

Shawn

Hi, David:

Kind of an involved question. I am working on the Improvising Study 1. For the ABAC chorus form (the third type of variation), I want to take my "A" lick and transpose it to the IV, for the "B". I am working on a lick that is challenging for me.

It's the opening lick from "Snake Oil." The notes are D, G, B, Db, and D. These work out to the 5, 1, 3, 5b, and 5 of the root chord. When I transpose this up to the IV, the notes become G, C, E, Gb, and G. The only Gb available to me (without overblows) is the 2'. So I have to utilize that 2'. continue reading...

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?