Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

I've been watching the bassman chronicles again. Fun stuff.

What are your typical volume and tone settings at a gig, where you're just playing one bassman and not micing through the PA? What do you set the normal and bright volumes at? How far can you go on the volume knob before feedback, or it starts getting unmusical?

In the speaker videos you mention that you normalized the EQ for the tornado speakers. What did you change?

Also, in the bias change video you mention that you might prefer a bias setting at around 34. Where did you finally end up?

Thanks, continue reading...

I was wondering where the artist studies page has gone

Hi David.
I hope you don’t mind me asking a couple of newbie questions regarding the sound of the harp on the Temperature track. When I listen to this Jam track the harp sounds a little like a trumpet. How do you get this effect? I can’t detect any delay or reverb, is that correct or are my ears deceiving me? Is it cupping a mic through an amp or do you play strait into a mic? continue reading...

Just wanted to thank you for all that you do for your students and the world of blues harmonica! I know it can often be a labor of love, but know that we appreciate it greatly.
-Taylor

Hi David! Do you have a link where I could purchase your CDs.

Thank you.

Will

Hi there David.
I've asked before about bendingtechniques but I'd like to ask some more questions. I understand that it must be frustrating for you to answer the same questions by students over and over again, but, well, here it goes :
I'm practising harmonica every day for atleast 2 hours. All the techniques, like tongeublocking, flutters, slaps, vibrato / tremelo etc are going good and I am rapidly getting better with all these techniques. All your explainations about these techniques are great! Now comes the frustrating part : bending. ( I'm only using TB embouchure ) continue reading...

Hi David! I am really enjoying the Hohner Super Chromatica Harmonica Deluxe in C that you suggest for your students.

It is a big brother to my Hohner Super 20 Diatonic. It has really helped me with my embouchure for the Tongue Blocking.

One questions about using mid files.

I have a software that plays midis for the Harmonica. It is called Harping Midi. I can bring in the midi files and see the notes for the songs. continue reading...

Hi David,
Lone Wolf has so many pedals, it's kind of confusing. It would be cool to someday have someone from there do a videoseries introducing what each one does and then teaching how to use them best. Just an idea for down the road.
Taylor

David is there a place in your series where you play a song first in second position and then in third? I have discussed the third positon with a long time player (since 60's) and he just recently played his first third position solo. We both questioned whether a song needs be be tailored for third position or will it work fine for any song. I have tried at times to incorporate just a few licks of third into second position playing and have not been thrilled with it (except for occasional horn type hits on the 1-4 octave).

Hi Dave
With your knowledge of amps that are out there today I was wondering if you had any suggestions of a amp that would be harp friendly but could fit into a backpack. In a perfect world it would have the ability to run off a battery for some of the time.I don't think I would need any more than a 5 watt amp. I have been going to a place here in Little Rock called the river market and playing. I usually play with this old man from Helena he's a trip to play with being from the old delta. Any information is greatly appreciated.