Ask Instructor David Barrett

David...Hey what makes the videos open slowly and then a few seconds into the lesson the video stop and then start and then stop? Tommy Hutch

Hello David...

I think I am more of an acoustic player than anything, right now. I do have a bullet mic that I sometimes practice with. I was wondering what your opinion would be as far a getting a vocal mic, something like a Shure SM57 or 58 and a mic stand to practice with? I am thinking that it would prepare me to use this type of mic when playing with a band, as far as hand effects and how far to stand away from the mic, etc.

What do you think?

Thanks, Homer.

P.S. This is a great site and learning resource.

Hi Dave,

In the first chorus of Take It Easy Now, am I right to be doing a tongue-switch when I play the one draw? Also, in the V, IV I part, again, would I do a tongue switch when playing the one draw moving to a one draw half-step bend with my tongue to the right? I can bend well while tongue-blocking, but, bending while my tongue is to the right is a little bit different to what I am used to doing.

I just wanted to make sure I am approaching it correctly, based on your tongue-blocking lessons.

Thanks, Homer.

I believe geographic might not be the best word for certain areas of the tongue but that is what I am going to use for this inquiry. I have been going over your new lesson, Tongue Blocking Study 2.5 and have realized something that relates to bending notes.

It seems that I have been only using a certain area of my tongue to bend. It would be the front right half of my tongue. continue reading...

You have been really busy putting this stuff out for us. Break out the chapstick and the water. This is going to be a blast working through your new material. The trainer is on my list for next month's harmonica material.

Will

David...Is there a place where one can buy 5 key sets of the Marine band Deluxe model?

David, is possible to play some of the beginning Chromatic lessons with a C Diatonic?

I am working a little with the Strut with a new D Harmonica and I am actually finding it is easier to bend. I know you said some Harmonicas would be more fit for each person. I practice playing all of the songs with all of the Harmonicas. I am feeling different muscles. You have to shift gears to feel it.

I watched your Chromatic lesson and it looks cool. Next month I can get one.

Will

David,

Do you know what key of harp John Lee Williamson used on "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl"? The recording is half-way between the keys of B and C. I'm guessing that it was in C, because I'm assuming that F harps were more commonly available than E harps back in those days (no internet, just what's available at the music store). I'm going to use Audacity to either raise or lower the pitch a bit and work on that song. I love his playing.

Are my assumptions correct? What key of harps do you think those guys could have picked up in music stores back in the 30s and 40s? continue reading...

Hi David,
Do you usually pucker or tongue block hole n.1 (really the 5th hole) on a 16-hole chromatic harmonica?
I tongue block it but.. how about the George Smith's lick on the 6th chorus of "No Sweat" (5 draw- 1 draw)? I tried to tongue switch like I would do on the diatonic.. didn't work. I'm getting it keeping the tongue on the left side of my mouth (regular tongue blocking) but I'm not sure this is the best option.
What do you recommend (generally and on that specific movement)?
Thank you
Flavio

Hi David. I tongue block and have the notes sound on the right side. I can bend the notes in the song. I enjoyed your study pdf and could do them with no problem. How cool is that. Anyhow what is the best approach to accomplished bending both of them at the same time. Let's say the 4/5 combo. I know you say do the 4 and add the 5 for texture.

My tongue currently is having problems knowing where to go. I blame the tongue on everything. I am getting close but I need a little direction. I tried moving my tongue to the right with no success. continue reading...