Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

I have a hard time playing properly the quarter-note (three notes in two-beats) tripletts in chorus 3 of Gary's Blues in Level 4. I watched your discussion on the topic, (not sure now where I found it), and I still don't get it. I can count and play eighth-note (three notes in one-beat) tripletts no problem, 1-&-uh, 2-&-uh etc, they are easy, intuitive.The half-note tripletts are very vague for me. I am finding myself guessing at the timing. continue reading...

David, continue reading...

Hi David,

I arrived here at the school a few weeks back because I wanted to add tongue blocking to my playing. My harp journey has been a little over two years with Tomlin Leckie and I've learnt a lot but he's a pucker teacher until well into his material. Thanks so much for most excellent material in your study pieces by the way.  continue reading...

Hey David, the Filisko tongue block trainer is not available for delivery in my country (India), kindly share the link for 3D printed TBT.

Hey David, the Filisko tongue block trainer is not available for delivery in my country (India), kindly share the link for 3D printed TBT.

Hi David,

I can get through the LOA 1 Walk With Me Study song about 95% with no mistakes (no wrong notes).

Is that good enough for submission? What are the thresholds that we're looking for?

Best,

Austin

Hello David,

I own now a VHT special 6, I have read the VHT Special 6 amp review, and I wanted to know

for the recommended settings for the Bulletini ( I have the HB52 that is quite similar) do you activate the pull boost on the volume knob or you stay on the clean channel ?

Thank you,

David

I just purchased the Hohner Harp Blaster HB52 and the only amp I have at the moment is my old guitar amp the Peavey Pacer 45 watt.   I was wondering what would be the best settings for this combo.  On your review of the Harp Blaster PDF you don't show any sample settings.

This particular amp settings include the volume, overdrive, bass, middle, treble, and reverb. 

Thank you

Terry

Hi David,

How much should I work on the movement exercises 2 through 8 before I take the LOA level 1 test?

I ask because some of those exercises involve bending so I don't know if I should spend weeks on them or just get familiar with them and return to them once I have learned bends.

Thank you for these great lesson. I have learned a lot already.

Best Regards,

Jim

In the very nice Sonny's Bird lesson, 5th chorus, I am struggling to control the 3" to 3' transition, either as dip or more separate just after (I would also be content with no dip but being able to stop at 3'...)

I have found a specific way to do it, but as usual I wonder if it's a good idea to practice it, or if it will become a bad habit...

That way is to use the jaw: start with a low dropped jaw for 3", then just close it to get 3'. continue reading...