Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David...I think I have a basic tremelo working. It's maybe not quite as fast as it could be, but, I am wondering about the vibrato. Should my diaphragm be playing a part in my vibrato, or should I try to isolate the movement more to my throat area? Is the vibrato about trying to get a subtle bend going while doing a tremelo?

Thanks in advance.

Homer.

Hi David,

I started learning on the site as a tongue blocker but I'm having trouble with blow bending using full tongue blocking. I have no problem however, doing this while puckering. Also with extremely fast licks (Minor Mambo, Blowin' My Horn, speed lick patterns from your Rock Harmonica book, etc.) it seems like I can play these faster by puckering. Less drag maybe? Maybe it's that I can cover more holes puckering with jaw movement patterns? continue reading...

Hi Dave...I am working my way thru the intermediate lessons, and in particular, I have noticed in Gary's Blues, that sometimes you use the 3 blow and sometimes the 2 draw. Sometimes for even the same lick, in different choruses. In general, I have always tried to use the 2 draw most of the time. Just wondering what your thoughts are when it comes to 2 draw verses 3 blow?

Homer.

Hi Dave...I have spent the last two evenings watching the Adam Gussow interviews, from beginning to end. I found them riveting to say the least. He definitely has a unique perspective on things. I enjoyed how all his thoughts and statements were punctuated with and actual demonstration on harmonica. I also enjoyed his sense of humour. Being about the same age, I understood many of his references to the past, both his influences and methods of learning. continue reading...

Hi David, I really love vibrato and tremelo on longer notes especially in slower blues and laidback shuffles.
( BTW, I just watched , again , David Waldman's interview and man does he have great tone and great laidback playing )
I can get a pretty good faster vibrato. My throat and tongue and memory always seem to wanna go to the faster vibrato. I try slowing down but it seems much harder for me to controle the slower type vibrato. Any exercises that you can recommend me in developing a nice slower throatvibrato?

Ok, I hate to even ask cause I know I must be just missing something. But here goes

Ex 1.5 (I've watch a couple times) If this isn't important thats fine it's just when I find something that doesn't match I have to find out what I've missed.

FACE is the notes in the spaces-correct? EGBDF are the notes on the lines, What's bothering me is EF are in both and sometimes show up on lines or spaces. I'm not trying to site read but for me, I need things to make since, now I'm looking and realize G is on the line and then later in a space. continue reading...

Do you know if the 270 Deluxe is out of production? It's not listen in the Hohner C Shop. If so, is the CX-12 a good alternative?

http://www.hohner-cshop.us/chromatic-harmonicas/?sort=featured&page=1

Hi David,
Working on Sonny's Bird but cannot locate it on the site. The Artist Study link is not up. Help!

Regards
Anthony Giarratano

A while ago I think you posted a youtube video of you doing a song inspired by Blues for Reverend King. I'm having trouble finding it again, even after using the search of the site.

Hi David,

Do you ever slap bent notes? I haven't been. Like the pull-slap, is it something I should start implementing into my playing eventually?

-Taylor