Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I've been listening to Charlie McCoy's recordings after watching his iterview videos.

I like his bluesy and dull tone. Sounds like every note he plays is a bluesy tone.

How does he do that? Is because his customized harmonica? Is a particular model of harmonica? My hearing problem?

Thanks

Simon

Can you suggest a way to approach the five technique exercises?

- is it better to work on one exercise and move on after a couple of weeks, or is it better to practice all of them from the start?

- is it a good idea to change the harp key every day, or is it better to work with multiple keys every day?

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Hi David,

Just wanted to ask - when will the interview with Annie Raines be posted on the site? Looking forward to it.

BTW - if you could get Phil Wiggins to sit down with you, that would be great...

Thanks,

--jd

"to focus on everything is to focus on nothing" .. ok.. that's why practice time should be organized in different areas, and one should work (and focus) on one area at a time.

How about listening? Do you think it's a good idea to structure in a similar way the time we spend on records? Can you give us some very specific example?

I KNOW IT'S NOT AN EASY QUESTION, but I feel it's a crucial subject not often discussed. continue reading...

Hi David! 

 in Juicy harmonica there is a large usage of the 3+,

 I like to TB everything, what kind of articulation can I use?

 I usually use "g" or slap....

thanks

I am having such a tough time with pulls. Pulls are introduced in Solo Harmonica Study 2. I am trying to find where they are actually taught on the site, in depth. Is the introduction to pulls in the video for "Gary's Blues" (LOA 4), on the video "The Pull and the Flutter", or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

My understanding of the pull:

1) Slap a single note-- the 4, for instance.  

2) Use my tongue to block 1-4.  

3) Pull off my tongue to make the sound.   continue reading...

Hi Dave:

Exercise 1.4,  when i play the one-two draw is that puckered or Tongue Blocked. Do I cover holes 3 and 4 with my tongue?

Thanks,

John

Hi David,

I have just tried the link to download the Improvising Study 2-focus notes, textures and Rhythm PDF and unfortunately the link is not recognised, stating page not found. I have let the webmaster know also,

Thanks,

G

Sorry to bother you on a Sunday.  I have another question re tongue-blocking holes 1, 2 and 3.  Since my tongue only has to block one or two holes, it has a tendency to use a part closer to the tip, or even the tip itself.  Is this OK, or should I be resisting this tendency, and trying to keep exactly the same position as with the other holes? 

When you write a song, do you typically:

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