Ask Instructor David Barrett

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...

I just wanted to tell you and other members how great the song study is -> Feelin For The Blues.

It is great for many reasons.

1. I have Walk With Me in my repertoire already so I can concentrate on bending.
2. You have put the number 4 hole bend in there and it is not as daunting when you are playing in the song versus trying to just do it by itself.
3. It gives me a sense of confidence that I can play the song and bend these notes. That is just wonderful.
4. It shows that a old guy can do it and enjoy playing it acoustically or with my JT30 microphone. continue reading...

Hi David I m woking on the vibrato , I ve been doing tremolo last 10 years so that skill is strong enough, burst when I practice on the vibrato (tongue blocking) when I practice without the harmonica I get the move of the tongue with the throat moving as an engine , but when i put the harmonica and the tongue touches the harmonica instead of start moving the tongue it starts moving my cheek , and i dont get the vibrato I only get the tremolo how can I adjust this?

Hi David,

I know the Gary Smith Study song has some Junior Wellesque stuff in it but it would be really cool to have a Junior Wells study song sometime. Just a request. Know you're busy :)
Taylor

This question refers to the sequence of the study plans, such as the one on this page:

http://www.bluesharmonica.com/beginning_study_plan

I get the general idea that at some points in the lesson plans, we will doing two or more Study sections at a time. For example, while we are working on "Beginning Section Two"...we will be working on three sub topics:

- Tongue Blocking Study 1 (Walk With Me)
- Movement Exercises Study 1 - Patterns (but, only the portions of the exercises without bending)
- Solo Harmonica Study 1 continue reading...

Hey Dave! Working on the Feeling For The Blues and I am trying to clean up my forced 4th hole Bend.

I have one question about these practice areas that I am working on.

I am trying to utilize a yawning position of the jaw, (dropping of the jaw and opening the airway in the throat) that drops the tongue flat on the bottom of the mouth. Drop the jaw and move it forward a little.

This helps me flatten the tongue on the bottom of my mouth and I can see a clear shot back into my mouth, versus having my tongue blocking a clear path. continue reading...

Hello David!! I have to say this is the best harmonica lessons I ever had!! I would like to know if you can explain the technique of Rick to make vibrato on 3' draw (half step bend) that he always uses. Thank you very much!!!! Big Hug !! Mariano