Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I've listened to your album with John Garcia and the History of Blues Harmonica album. I was wondering what other studio tracks you've laid down. For instance, what tracks have you played on for John Lee Hooker Jr?

-Taylor

Welcome home, David.

I am digging into the Solo Harmonica Study 1 and was curious if you have on your site jam backing tracks for them?
I have a metronome and I am putting it to good use.

Thanks again for all of your help and your topnotch website.

Will

Hi David,
Have you used DanEcho's French Toast Octave pedal? If so can you share your thoughts?
Thanks

I am studying your video on Temperature Chorus 5.

You are showing us the bend on the 3 hole. You illustrate with your fingers and hand how they impact the face of the harmonica. Your fingertips are moving straight into the front of the harmonica.

I have been positioning the harmonica deep into my mouth and have been blocking with the blade of the tongue. I see you impact the comb of the harmonica, where the holes are with the tip of your fingers.

Am I reading into your hand movement incorrectly with how the tongue should impact the harmonica? continue reading...

David, I have trying for thee longest time to Tongue block the high register of the harp and I have no problem with doing so except when I want to bend for expression, or for that matter, bend with any kind of just intonation. I am so used to pucker up there that to break the habit seems, at times, to be a long, long road. At times I can get the bend tongue blocked but most of the time, my tuner says I am not getting the desired note (when I am puckering I have no problem...tuners don't lie) continue reading...

Hi David

v
If I'm practicing right? Solo study 2 Ex: 2.2 3rd line IV 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 3 4 is that a Dip on the 3 draw?

Thanks

Enjoy Germany Ahh German Beer : )

One more related question. Do we actually use the tongue to articulate the TA sound? I understand know that you retract it, but how do you create the TA sound if you don't move the tongue?

This appears to be an important point for great sound later on.

Thank you so much for the continued help.

I am getting better ever day.

Will

David continue reading...

I am working on bending notes on the A harmonica at the 6th hole with your lesson.

I can bend on a C harp 2 bend using a Kee Koo Kee simulating a bear growl that goes into the throat backward.
My throat is doing all of the work. My tongue does not move from its original position. I can feel warm air coming into the throat with the feeling of throat and the reeds vibrating. continue reading...

Mate continue reading...