Ask Instructor David Barrett

David, can you advise me on more songs that I can work with that would have a backing track and the .pdf or sheet music for the blues harmonica?

I am working on 3 of the songs on the website but I would like to have other ones to work on and jam too. I am finding out that when I buy the jam tracks it does not come with the .pdf or score sheet. I am getting into the bends and I am using the A, G and C harmonicas.

Much appreciated!!

Will

Howszit Dave , I've been studying Gary Smiths blues for mr b song , i think I got a ok handle on it for the most part except the head . Is the head +2. 2 3'3" 3'3" 2----. With the 3draws a little dirty w/the 4draw, One more question, the last submission with Ryan were you we're playing the breaks as a theme, is that on your album and is it on I tunes? I hope to be packing the Smith&Barrett tone one day! Lol. Awright!

David,

What do you do in this scenario:

1. You get up on stage at a jam and are handed a PA mic.
2. It's really loud, shrill and awful sounding - like the treble is goosed for a singer maybe.
3. The singer says "Let's hear some of that harp!" and you have to play a solo.

Also, after the song, what do you tell the PA guy (or in this case the bass player standing next to the onstage mixing board)? "Low treble, high bass" or something like that? I don't own a PA and have never worked with a PA mixing board so I'm not sure what a good default harp setting would be. continue reading...

Hi David

I just read about the work shop on Harmonica Master Class. On 4/10/14 say's
" Sales will be open during this time " Does that mean I have 2 pay extra for the classe's I want to take ex: Bending with Winslow Yerxa’s

I thought that the $545 B H .com registration payment covers what ever I sign up for.

Thanks

Hope 2 Be There : )

Hi David

Happy New Year!!!! Will there be any lesson on chugging this year? and any new Artist Studies ex: DeFord Bailey ?

Thanks

Are there people you work with (or have worked with) that you could recommend as private instructors?

I know you have your "School of the Blues" private instruction. I was just thinking that with the demands of your [this] growing website, plus your other gigs (for example "HarmonicaMasterClass"), that maybe you could see that there is still a need for good one-on-one instruction.

I'm just starting out. My son is also just starting out. Can you offer any suggestions for private, regular harmonica instruction?

Thank you Sir.

Hello, David. Happy New Year.

What key is Dear John in where you comp for John Lee Hooker, Junior?

I love every lick you play on that and how well they're placed. Can you give me a start on at least 2 of the big ones: at about 2:19 and 2:48? I assume it's in 2nd position. (Once I feel sure of the key, I'll be better equipped to play with it. I had some weird note that says "AbD," so I'm thinking I may not have that harp and either need to get a new one, or change the key in AS.)

Thanks,

Annamarie

P.S. Did the second one come out yet? If not, when does it?

Hi David.
I'm really learning a lot on bluesharmonica.com but I noticed that the lessons are oriented towards the Chicago blues style (or maybe the West coast style??... I'm not that big of an expert). Anyways, it would be great if you or if Mr. Filisko would upload an old style blues melody lesson in first pos. (in the manner of Jazz Gillum) or even in crossharp, in the style of Billy Bizor. Would greatly add to the repertoire... Please consider. Thanx.

I am playing Take It Easy Now. I have a JT30 microsphone and have adapted my position of the harmonica from a front of mouth acoustic position, or what I have been doing to the right cheek area that you show in your lesson about microphone technique.

I have found out to my surprise that I am bending those first bends and notes hugely better. I am using the bendometer and I am almost there. continue reading...

Hi Dave
I greatly appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this site. A well thought out site with tons of information. I understand you plan to launch a new site in the near future and I hope your new website design will be as accessible to assistive software as this site is. Not all website formats are screen reader friendly. I know I'm in the minority but I don't believe I'm the only visually impaired subscriber you have. I just hope your website design people will keep this in mind. continue reading...