Ask Instructor David Barrett

David...I have noticed when I play to a track I am most of the time off the beat. When I am on the beat, I sound pretty good. For instance, "Little Walter" Artist Study; I have played through the 2nd and 3rd pos choruses along with the 30% slow and the 15% slow versions with harp attempting to get the feel, but, as soon as I attempt to play to the jam track at true tempo my play does not seem to be in time. What are some of the practice techniques I can apply to accomplish better timing; I have a metronome and a Slowdowner application... Any and all tips will be much appreciated...Thx

Hi David. I have problems moving my jaw when I try to get more of the harmonica into my mouth and have it tilted up. I can hear the difference in tone, but if I have it back more I also have my tongue sticking out more. Maybe this is not a good practice, because it forces me to move my jaw side to side while I move the tongue inside my mouth.

I am watching you like a hawk with your Tongue Block Trainer usage with the new Tongue Blocking Study 2.5 lesson and it appears that you are moving the tip of your tongue. I am starting with the agility drill ex. 1.2. continue reading...

Wow - this is going to be exciting. Great introduction that left me salivating for more!! I can hardly wait. Thanks David!!

Hi David! I am working on the pulls in Gary's Blues and I have a question about your instruction in the technique section of the lesson.

The illustration of the TA TA articulation that you show us in the pucker version of the Pull, do we actually use this in our tongue block version of the pull?

In another way, if you had to play the pull in a tongue block and you did not do the TA TA sound could you still play it correctly? I am having problems getting a pluck sound or the TA TA sound in the pull.

I am covering the holes and I am trying to get the sound. continue reading...

Hi David, its great to be back on this fantastic site. i see you have continued to add to it despite the frustration of the iOS6 gremlins.

i noticed the Artist Song Listing which used to be at http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/artist_listing.htm has disappeared. I hope I'm not pestering you; i just wondered if its likely to become available again in the future. it was a very handy "instant" reference. I would recreate for myself but i don't especially want to reinvent the wheel if its likely to pop up again soon.

Thanks, Dave H

In the AB/AC form , if the B lick is the same as the first A lick but in an octave higher or lower is it considered a B because the pitch changed or is it still an A but with a variation ?

Hi Dave...I am working my way through the intermediate level songs right now. With repetiton and practice, I am able to learn the songs quite successfully. The challenge lies in selecting licks and applying them to the chorus forms. Is it just a matter of selecting the licks I like, and repeating them until they are solidly in my memory and repertoire? After many hours of repetition with several licks, will I build up a vocabulary of licks that I can randomly recall when required?

Does it sound like I am on the right track and\or are there other things that I should be doing?

Homer.

David, is it correct to say that the Slap is more tongue orientated versus the Pull is more lip puckering and plucking?

I am trying to do the Pull with the same tongue feel as the Slap. Are they close brothers or entirely separate?

I am watching you and Joe in the beginning Harmonica lessons and it looks like you are using your lips to make the plucking sound. He seems like he plays using more puckering versus tongue blocking.

It is only what I can see and figure out by the videos. I know you want us to tongue block. continue reading...

David,

I really enjoyed this study. I felt like picking up my Gibson again and I did it.
I just found a little typing error at page 12 Ex 5,17 bar 7 : G is 6+.

Best Regards,

Eddy

Hi David,

The Eb line is missing in Ex. 5.8.

All the best,

Eddy