Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

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