Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David, I purchased a Low F Thunderbird without realising the series was already 'low'. I in tended to use it with Skeet a Little Taste. Do you think I could still use it ok or is the low draw reeds going to frustrate me? I can 'over' bend the 2 draw on a G harp further than required. How can I use  Ninja to see how far I'm bending the TBird Low F?

Thanks John Mac

Hi David

I note that you almost always use the hole 3 blow rather than the 2 draw in our study material. Is there a reason for this? I have heard other instructors say that you should always use the 2 draw as it gives a more "bluesy" sound.

Thanks'Eric

Hello David.

Wow, there is a ton of material in Level 4; gonna take the rest of this year to process it all.

My query is in regard to playing pulls on some notes; not sure whether to draw or blow the pulls after some notes.

For example, in Solo 2 Section 2 Bass Lines, Ex 2.1, meas 1-4, there is a draw pull after 5+,

while in meas 1-4 of Ex 2.2, there is a blow pull after 5+; sounds good in both cases.

Then in meas 6, there is a draw pull following 7+. To my ear a blow pull sounds much better. continue reading...

bonjour David je voudrais avoir ton avis j'ai acheter un fender ampli blues delux ?? et aussi quel reglage me donnerais tu a f aire dessus merci ??!! 

Im on the Level 3 Accompniment study playing each of the 6 holes

along with a jam track, and I think I got it down right on holes

1 Thru 4, but real confused about holes 5 and 6.

any Suggestions?

Hello instructor Barrett! I just joined today! i Just got my classic marine band in a key of C, as that is what everyone told me to get as my first harmonica. When i opened it, i saw the free trial code for this site, and decided to check it out, but when i started on your first lesson, you said i had to have one in the key of A. My understanding was that key is the note, or pitch. I just wondered if i have to have one in the key of A, or if i can use mine in the key of C. Thank you!

merci David je plaisant bien évidemment je vous adore le meilleur harmoniciste c'est vous yesssss !!! 

Hi David, do you have any instruction or hints on playing Snake Oil Pls. Where do I find a backing without harp? Basically I forgot where I sourced it. Thanks

Hello David,

The instructions for the solo part of the LOA L3 say:

Example 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.3, or 2.4 with a Metronome (you choose the tempo)

Does this mean one of them, or 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 plus either 2.3 or 2.4?

Hey David,

I've been practicing for about two months. I've been focusing molately on the tongue blocking and the tongue blocking songs, and playing more by feel/practice than by keeping the beat while I play. Im Trying to start working on this more now and wanted to ask if you have any reconendations on ways to practice this? i get especially tripped up when trying to play notes between beats.

thanks!