Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dave, hope all is well with you. I got caught up in a different project, that took most of my day, for over the last 42 days. I lifted 1,000,000 pounds I did it because my son was deployed, and will be gone for about nine months. Just something to keep track of the days. I will be getting back into my lessons, I was just getting ready to get into octaves.. What I think I will do is go to the movement exercises. I have been takeing lessons from you for a couple of years. continue reading...

So I got this cool 100 Blues Riffs on Alto Sax. I want to play some of the stuff on harmonica but the key of the songs the licks are in isn't listed. So I used the method of counting the sharps at the beginning of the notation (ex. 2 sharps=key of D). I've run into a bit of difficulty with songs in minor though. Are there different rules? For example I have a riff that has 3 sharps listed at the beginning of the notation. I would think it would be listed as being in the key of A but it's made up of F#m7.

Hi David ! What backing track will be best to use for Jerry Portnoy "Blues in a dream" , any that comes in mind and you know will fit ? Thanks!

Hi Dave,

I'm thinkin that this could be a pretty good harp amp, based on Fender's reputation and past. Is there any risk involved for a novice buyer like me? I like the retro look. I also like the price.

What do you think, Dave? I have a Hohner Blues Blaster mic.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-pawn-shop-speci...

Harmonica H.

I am really excited about your Chromatic studies. I believe that it should help me with my Tongue Blocking and Tongue Pulling techniques.

Thank You, David.

Will

Hi David!

How would you recommend to integrate the exercises from your books (First lessons and Blues Harmonica 1) in the study plan you recommend (10 min. technique exercises; 30 minutes study songs; 20 minutes improvising)?

Should I consider them as technique exercises? Licks exemples? Some may be used as study songs, I guess.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Hi Dave,

Do different Keys have different feelings or characteristics? I know Am over A will be darker but is there a reason why someone might choose A over Bb besides that the singer sings better in that key or the instruments that are available?

In that vein, do "naked" notes have characteristics? In other words does C have an inherent emotional quality outside of a particular scale.

Any backing tracks come to mind that would be good for (the live version of) William Clarke's Lonesome Bedroom Blues? (I can change keys and speed with software)
Thanks.

Hi David,

I understand that the root note of the chord is going to give the most feeling of resolution

What feelings do the Chord tones 3rd, 5th, b7th, 9th conjur, etc? IAre some more dissonant than others?

I understand that Scale Tones are going going to give the feeling of a need to be resolved but do they each have different "feelings" associated with them?

-Taylor

Hi David...I would like to say that all the material on this site is excellent, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.

I was wondering, though, if you ever sing and have you thought of presenting some material with vocals? If you don't sing, perhaps you could employ John Garcia. I thinking in terms of instrumental breaks and maybe intro's as they would be used on a number with vocals, and not necessarily just accompaniment.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Harmonica H.