Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi Dave...I am working my way through Gary's Blues, right now. Another great song! My concern is that I can hear the pulls on the related videos, but, I find it difficult to hear the pulls on the mp3's. Probably because the mp3's are an ampified and slightly distorted version of the song. Even when I slow the mp3's down still cannot hear the pulls.

Is there any chance you can add an acoustic mp3 version of this song to the lesson, in order to hear the pulls better, whether it is slowed down or not?

I am glad I discovered your website. I enjoy your lessons and interviews a lot! continue reading...

First of all I am really understanding the tongue much better do to the purchase of the Joe Filisko Tongue Block Trainer. I am not paid to say that.

David, is it correct in saying that if you had to have a slight curvature of your tongue, due to a birth defect, and that it simply did not come straight out like when a Doctor says Ah, but your had to choose which way you wanted your tongue to curve or bend from the player's perspective, would it be bent to the left? continue reading...

David,

Sometimes when playing through big amps I hear too much 'thump' when I slap. It's a big bassy 'thuw-whump' sound. A little of it is cool but too much is distracting and muddy. If I'm not being clear I'lll explain further but hopefully you know what I mean.

Is this a function of slapping too hard, having the bass turned up too far on the amp, cupping too tight? I usually cup with the 'two thumbs up' method but maybe I could switch in those situations.

Thanks,

Steve

So, David...."Rocker" is an up tempo shuffle, but, what is the band doing? Is there only 2 changes from I Chord to IV Chord?

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 ?