Ask Instructor David Barrett

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...

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?