Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I got invited to a bluegrass jam. Any survival tips?

Taylor

Hello David,

I've started on Solo Harmonica 3 and in Section 1 (Chording), Ex. 1.1, I have a question on the (5)/4 combo note. Are you lip puckering or tongue-blocking it? Are you lip pursing or tongue-blocking the 5-draw to begin that chord? Let me know.

Thanks!

Dutch

Good morning, David:

As I progress through the site, I would like to show my friends and family my progress by recording videos of myself playing your songs and posting them online. Would this be acceptable to you? I can put your name or the name of the school on the video, if you would like. I ask because I don't want to give away any of the instructional materials that you've worked so hard to create.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sorry about all the questions, I've been saving em up through the week. What holes should I avoid in minor on the chromatic in 3rd position? Also, what are the most common usages of holes with the button in. I feel like I'm starting to get an intuitive sense of movement on the chromatic but I'd like to use the button a little more. It seems like every time I hit the button it's hit or miss whether it fits.

I just want to be prepared when you roll out the 16 hole chromatic LOA. haha. ;)

-Taylor

Hi David,

I love that 6(7) draw combo in 3rd position. Is it alright to do that on the V in 2 position? I know the 6 is kosher but I haven't heard the (7) in with it in 2nd.

-Taylor

Hi,
I'm currently going through Walk with Me 1st lesson and I'm unclear about using the tongue with a shake? I find it much more comfortable to keep the tongue off the harp or is there a technique that I'm missing using the tongue while playing a shake?

I noticed that the special 20 harmonics I bought are not A 440 tuned?
I use 440 for guitar and fiddle and so does everyone I jam with. Are these harmonicas tuned A 443 or around there?

Hi David...I have a question regarding slaps (and pulls to a lesser extent).

Sometimes when listening to a song, the slaps are very subtle and sometimes can hardly be discerned. So, when I am learning a piece, if I am listening, and learning by ear, I may not include a slap (or even a pull), because it is not obvious, until I look at the PDF.

So, I guess my question is, when and where specifically would one use a slap or a pull? Should I slap notes (almost) all the time, or are there specific instances where a slap should be used? continue reading...

Hi David,

On 3rd pos Lesson 5, both pdfs appear to be the same.

-Taylor

Hi David,

I'm working through William Clarke's version of The Work Song on chromatic from one of your transcription books. I noticed that things like 7+/2+ and 9/4 "octaves" are occasionally notated. Why would one do these 4 hole blocked ocataves? I know 2 holes blocked creates that dissonant fake octave, but what's the purpose of the giant ones?

-Taylor