Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dear David,

I have been studying lessons 1 & 2 of your Solo Harmonica Studies. I was also listening to this track "Traintime" by Cream on their Wheels of Fire album. I was amazed by the initiial rhythms played on it. Wanted to know if it was possible for you to guide me on how that rhythm is achieved.

I'd highly appreciate it.

Regards,
Sridhar

Hi David, I got my JT30 from a fellow student. How cool is that.

I have a question about the placement of the harmonica on the face of the Microphone.

The JT30 has a bar in the middle of the face. Where should I place the back of the harmonica?
On top of the center bar or below it?

I am really enjoying the Rollin Rhumba lesson.

Will

Hi David,

In one of the videos, Mark mentioned there woudl be a parts list.
I was hoping to find out where I can purchase the Bias pots that Mark used.
Also, with the compu-bias meter, were you able to play while it was connected and then adjust or had
to remove it each time?

Last question, what did you finally goes with for V1,V2,V3 tubes in the 90 reissue and are you still using the JJ's power tubes biased at 34.

A link would be helpful.

Regards,

528hemi

Hey David with the teaching session with Joe you are working with him on his first Pull.
You are starting with the 4th hole slap and then from there getting the pull technique.

I can do a tongue slap on the 1, 2 and 3rd hole and have them blocked with the left side (blade) of my tongue and have the 4th note sound great. So far so good. You want us to then stick out more tongue and then cover, in this case 1,2,3 and the 4th hole that was sounding with the slap. Got it. Now it's the Pull. continue reading...

David,

It would be interesting if you would take one of the Beginning Study Songs, like TEMPERATURE or WALK WITH ME, and play us a version that is more slightly more advanced in nature. I know when I have the opportunity to go back and practice these songs I will sometimes try to add some of the newer techniques learned (either add fills, some bends, etc). It would be interesting to hear where you can take some of these songs. Does that make any sense?
Thank you.

Hey David, getting better every day. One question. On Bending Study 2, Feeling For The Blues, if I can hit the F#, but it sounds hollow or metallic and not like the other notes on Three Blind Mice Riff. Is there a common problem that I am dong that does trouble to the sounds and the reeds. Yours all sound the same as far as quality. More like horn notes.

Will

I have a newer, mexican made Fender Deluxe. Wondering if this would make a suitable practice amp. I'm just getting into using amps. which is a blast so far. But if I can hold off on buying a new amp and use this one for a while, maybe with some simple tube swaps, a pedal or something, that would be cool. Or maybe it's not worth messing with and I should just hold off till I can pick up a purpose built amp. continue reading...

Good morning, David,

I want to be able to accompany Stormy Monday, I think I figured out the keys (Bobby Blue Bland/on Greatest Hits LIve, Ab, which I am transposing to C), Etta James/Ion 'd Rather Be Blind in C, Buddy Guy/on Everyday I Have the Blues in Bb, But I still can't play along. I'm thinking it's the changes. There's at least one change...a quick change on the second bar. Can't find my way around. Any tips would be helpful.

By the way, if I were to play along with Bobby Blue Bland in Ab, what harp and position do you think would be the best?

Thanks,

Annamarie

Dear David,

i start few weeks ago the intermediate level i can learn all the techniques until now and use them when i improvise but i can´t use the riffs i´ve already learn on other musics i learned here or don´t have ideas to create my new solos

Best Regards,

Filipe Lins

Hi Dave,
I'm a little confused regarding the beginner chart mentioned above.
Your chart: Key G, 1st Pos G, 2nd Pos C, 3rd Pos F
My charts : Key G, 1st Pos G, 2nd Pos D, 3rd Pos A

Aren't they supposed to be 5 a part (circle of fifths): G A B C D, D E F G A

Remember, I'm a beginner. How do I send you an attachment?
Gary