Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi Dave -

Do you have any plans for a series on country blues?

If not, perhaps it's a good area for a guest contributor.

Thanks

Jeremy

Hi David,

I had a question regarding the Level 10 submission. I'm not there yet but planning ahead. Does the submission need to be of a performance of all the songs at once in a single performance or can it be in segments? For example, a video of me playing accomplaniment with my band on stage, a video of me on a street corner playing my solo song, a video of me playing my 1st position song in front of my family at my house, etc...

-Taylor

David, In blues creeping over me, the last note if the 'blues break' you have written as 2 draw. I feel you have a reason for writing or playing it this way. As I am learning this song I find myself naturally using 3 blow. I work on changing the movement to 2 draw but if feels different and less natural in this progression. So my question then really is why? Beyond play what is natural. Note: TB bends are coming along nicely with tons of work and effort. They are feeling 'natural' now. 

Lots more work and fun to be had. 

John 

On your recommendation, I downloaded the demo for HarpNinja.  It looks to be a useful tool for nailing your bends. I was not able to thoroughly explore it, as my trial period expired after only a few hours??  My main issue is that the displays do accurately reflects the notes in each key.  For example the key of E Major has 4 sharps, not all those flats that are in the Tuning Dojo display.  For those who are trying to learn music as well as the harmonica, these displays are confusing and misleading.

Dear Dave,

I have been playing acoustically for several years but want to do more amplified stuff. I have both a Green bullet and a JT-30, but my little solid-state practice amp sucks.

I like to go to jam sessions (though I have not in several years) and want an amp to bring along eventually. Should I buy the Super Champ and wait until later to buy a better one? Or spend a little more and get a $500 amp (my budget) now? I think I can mic the amp at most places I jam...mainly Rosa's Lounge here in Chi-town. continue reading...

Hi David!

in the study song "How long blues" (accompaniment study 9), the V chord after the II chord has the major seventh?

I think this because when I play the flat seventh it seems to sound very dissonant....

thanks

I was recently speaking with harmonica player Michael Rubin, out of Texas, and he suggested I take up the chromatic. He said that learning the chromatic will help me immeasurably in my playing of diatonic. He also said it will help me in playing octaves (since the chromatic's holes are wider, and three holes apart) on the diatonic.

I am sure that it could only be beneficial to a player to learn chromatic, but I think it might be too early in my development. I am finishing up my studies in LOA 3.

When do you think is the appropriate time to start messing with a chromatic?

David,  I am working on the C Major scale.  At the bottom of page 1 of the pdf hand out, Movement Exercies - Essential Scales, there is a note that states "Tip:  Try to understand why 2 draw (G) is used in some scales and 3+ (G) in others".

I do not understand, please explain.  While working in the C Major Scale I find it easier to use 3+ in lieu of 2 draw.  Am I setting myself up for difficulty down the road.  Thanks.

Can somebody please help me.  I have emailed twice with no response so I thought maybe somebody could help me in this forum.    I need to update debit/credit card info, but can not get to the "Reoccurring Fees" page.  Everytime I click it it says: continue reading...

I need some help learning the flutter tongue.  I mean, it's not at all hard to do from a technical point of view, but it sounds pretty clunky when I do it.  I think that might have to do with the rhythm (or lack thereof).  I'm wondering whether, when in the learning phase, I should try to pace it along a certain rhythm, like say triplets.  I know that you don't think about that when you're a confirmed player, but maybe at this stage it's a good idea.  What do you think?  Also, do you tend to speed up the movement as you reach the end of the beat? continue reading...