Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums

Ask Instructor David Barrett

Ask head instructor David Barrett questions regarding your lessons at BluesHarmonica.com

I , IV V thinking in Positions

Posted Tue, 09/17/2013 - 06:36 by doug baz
doug baz's picture

Hi Dave
In your interview with Steve Guyger you discuss that somewhere in the lessons you discuss the idea of thinking in positions when playing the I, IV V. Ie thinking 3 rd position when playoff the IV chord. This interests me but I don't quite understand it and how to use this idea.mmcan you point me to the discussion?

  • 4 comments

Slaps

Posted Mon, 09/16/2013 - 22:31 by bordercollie
bordercollie's picture

Hi Dave

I have a couple of queries:

1. I have seen on at least two of your video lessons that you consider that slapping should be used routinely when playing. Does this mean each note or just the first note played in a bar should be slapped. I also saw your reply to a recent post(8.9.13) in which you explain which styles of song that, you consider, it best used in. Do you have anything to add to this?

2. The cupping and hand effect PDF has a downward pointing triangle with a dot underneath. What does this symbol mean?

Regards

  • 1 comment

2 draw vs 3 blow

Posted Mon, 09/16/2013 - 17:59 by New Player
New Player's picture

Hello Mr. Barrett-

I am looking at the last two bars in the 7th chorus fof "Feelin' for the Blues"and wondering why is that the 3 blows are used right after the first 2 draw note? Although 2 draw and 3 blow are the same which is the key of "G", I think the 2 draw has a bit stronger sound?

  • 3 comments

2 Hole Draw Blues

Posted Mon, 09/16/2013 - 14:51 by Bob Bianchini
Bob Bianchini's picture

I got the blues. The 2 hole draw blues. :) I've about 10 days into your (if I may), great set of instructions and I can "get" a 2 hole draw, it just ain't the note and its airy and yucky. So, any tip you can offer. I will say over the last 3 days a lot of improvement has occurred continue reading...

  • 1 comment

Resistors

Posted Tue, 09/10/2013 - 04:58 by Bluez
Bluez's picture

Hi David, not sure if this is the right spot to ask this question, but this is only area that I seen to contact you. I was wondering if you could get the part number for the two 1 watt resistors Mark replaces in the Bassman Chronicles. I went to the site he recommended, but they have thousands of different kinds. Thanks David

  • 3 comments

Breath control

Posted Sat, 09/07/2013 - 09:59 by jslivka
jslivka's picture

David,

I am working on Ex. 1.8 in Solo Study 2. I run out of air at about the end of the 4th bar. Is this a function of me just needing to build up lung capacity or is it more of a function of me also trying to get some air through my nose to make it through the 4th measure with the lick? I have also been trying to play softer to use less air. That seems to help a little. Thanks.

  • 1 comment

Tongue blocking frustrations from lip pursing players

Posted Fri, 09/06/2013 - 15:47 by BCurtis
BCurtis's picture

Dave: continue reading...

  • 22 comments

Charlie McCoy

Posted Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:52 by Homer
Homer's picture

Hi David...I'm looking forward to the rest of the Charlie McCoy interview. There was a lot of stuff in the sneak preview. He was definitely an influence for me. He sure has a wealth of insight into playing the harmonica.

Homer.

Pull

Posted Thu, 08/29/2013 - 20:41 by New Player
New Player's picture

Hello Mr. Barrett-

I have a quick question. In tongue block study song 2, what is point of playing the 1-2-3 draw if I am going pull on the 3 immediately after? Here is a screenshot for what I am trying to say. I promise the link is legit. :-)

http://i.imgur.com/Uazyzlx.jpg?1

  • 3 comments

Who Should I Listen To?

Posted Thu, 08/29/2013 - 14:12 by Francis
Francis's picture

Hi David...Happy Labor Day,

I'm starting to learn songs from albums (Spotify actually). So far I'm working on 2 songs from George Harmonica Smith doing Little Walter. I am probably somewhere in the intermediate level range, although I have a good ear because I've been playing guitar for 40 years. I also have software to slow the song down. Can you recommend any players/albums that would be good for me to try and copy, without getting over my head? Thanks...Fran

  • 3 comments
  • « first
  • ‹ previous
  • …
  • 304
  • 305
  • 306
  • 307
  • 308
  • 309
  • 310
  • 311
  • 312
  • …
  • next ›
  • last »

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.comSyndicate content