Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

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

Hi David,

I have been trying to upload a LOA submission, I have successfully selected the files and they appear on the page. However when pressing submit the upload attempt but then after a long period of time the page refreshes with no details of the download. This hasn't happened before so I don't know if its due to file size,
Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Thanks

Gareth

After moving on to a new study song how much time should I be spending on the previous study songs and exercises? Would a few repeats be enough?

Hi Dave continue reading...

Howdy David,

I was wondering, any your series on tongue-blocking on the site, do you go over tongue-block bending? I ask because I'm studying "Accompaniment Playing Study 2" and the song "I Want You With Me." I want to get that 3-draw dip bend really nice and tight. Maybe you went over with since this solo is from "Temperature" in Tongue Block Study 2). Just thought I'd ask.

Thanks.
Dutch

Dave, I am trying to finish up, on LOA 4 TEST. Im not quite sure what is required of me for the improvising study 1 section of the test I have picked out my lick that I want to use for all my 5 chorus forms. (Feeling for the blues...2nd chorus fifth measure). Am I suppose to take that lick.... and play it in all the 5 chorus forms? MY QUESTION IS XXX WHERE CAN I GO TO REVIEW MY CHORUS FORMS? XXX FOR THE ACCOMPANIMENT PLAYING. continue reading...

I've blown out 3 draw 5 reeds lately. That's expensive. I've been working on third position, and also bending draw 5. Am I trying to bend it too far, blowing too hard, or both?

I haven't blown out a reed in a really long time, then recently, wham three reeds, all the same hole.

Steve

I have been a member of bluesharmonica.com for close to 2 years now. Love the things you put out. But I have to say the biggest problem I had with the website was there are so many material available I didn’t know where to start. The new LOA system is simply brilliant. Thank you for making it available. I also have a few questions regarding how to make practice time effective. Could you comment on my current practice schedule list below? I feel like I am spending too much time on long notes and scales but then again I think they REALLY help. continue reading...

Hi David,

I've been reviewing the first few levels within the LoA system. I see Bending Study 2 in Level 3, but I don't see Bending Study 1 prior to that. I assume it is in Level 1 or Level 2, but I've looked and don't see it anywhere. How is Bending Study 1 incorporated into the LoA system?

Thanks,

Greg