Ask Instructor David Barrett

I'm not sure that it was covered in any of the lessons about this but I'm finding (at this point anyway) that I can only go between holes 1 and 2 by covering hole 1 with the right side of my mouth (not TB'd) and then slapping hole 2 when there is a 1, 2-i.e. Solo Study 2 Ex 1.7. Should I be tongue switching these two holes? If so, I would like to continue my practice switching, instead of the way I've been doing it. I don't want to have to work on changing and correcting bad technique later on down the road. continue reading...

Do you have any experience / thoughts about the BlueX lab mics / volume control?

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?

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

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?

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...

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

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.

Dave: continue reading...

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.