Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

David, this might be a personal choice, but what lesson would you suggest that a student think about getting a microphone? I am completing the Temperature lesson.

I probably will get the Hohner Blues Blaster. I have these harmonicas.

Marine Band C
Marine Band Special 20 A and G.

I know the Strut uses the D Harmonica and later on I might pick up another Special 20 C.
I don't know if your lessons require a C Harmonica.

I am on a tight budget but I could get the Microphone first and then get the next Harmonica.

Any guidance or is it my choice. continue reading...

Hi David

Study 2 Solo Harmonica When using the Metronme when do I time the " Click " Ex 1.5 first line the ( + 3 Click ) 3 4 ( + 5 is the next click )

In Ex: 1.6 the first line click is on the 321 draw than click on 2 + Not really sure where should the Clicks be ? on the +'s

Thanks

David,
I am deeply saddened at the news of Fritz' passing in August. I purchased a JT-30 shell with a Shure CM 99A86 from him and I love the mic. I e-mailed him 2 days ago to ask him about a volume control issue I am having and when he didn't respond I call his cell and spoke to his son. What a huge loss! He was a terrific guy with a tongue -n - cheek outlook on life. And he was a very talented musician and singer. RIP Fritz.

PS David who do you recommend to do a possible repair on my mic?

Thanks

Dave, you have supplied great study material. I am looking at Bending Study 1 .pdf and noticed that you did not include Mouth Diagrams for holes 3, 2 and 1.

What would be the location sounds for these. I am verifying what I have been doing with the K spot and the closing down of the area of the tongue to the relationship to the top of my mouth.

Do you have another page for this .pdf for the lower holes?

Also, do these side view diagrams accurately show the anchoring or placement of the tongue behind the teeth?

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Hey David - great series (as always) by Mark on Bandstand stuff! I was wondereing if along with all your other great plans, there was anything planned for those of us who live for jams. I'm not in a band, don't have immediate plans to join a band and therefore attend as many local jams as I can. Playing with a band, you get a chance to play instrumentals for several choruses, but in a jam, you usually comp and then get a 12 bar, or if lucky 24 bar solo. I know you have "I'm playing all night" tattooed on your finger ;-) but when you only get a short solo, how would you approach this. continue reading...

I am enjoying the Solo study. I use it as a warm up in the morning.

I have found that the TA and the TEE enunciation for the chords are the key for me. I look at the examples and voice them first. It makes fitting the chords together with correct rhythm and timing because I can pre-plan what I am going to do with the sounds.

For more involved exercises like 1.10 examples, the James Cotton lick, do you personally still have the TA TEE feel when you play? Or maybe should I say that we should still try to use it in a more involved example.

Thank you so much.

Will