Ask Instructor David Barrett

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...

You show your tongue going to the left for the HAL feel, but then you say use the top of the tongue for the technique?
Also, I am having problems hearing the chord and then the slap in the practice tracks. You mention that they are miked, but for learning the chord and the slap I can't visualize an example to get it into my ears.

You mention to your student to have a chord sound prior to the slap. Do you slide into each note with a chord and then a slap?

Everything else is great. I am concerned about this technique.

I find it really hard to hear the 1's in groove that's used in Garys Blues. In the third chorus for example, there I pretty easy pin point the first 1, but always miss the second. I have to count "1,2,3,4,1,2,3 and into the bend" to get the timing correct. When playing with you, I get it right often, but that's because I hear your change in tremolo. When playing without you I feel lost because the groove is so flowing, the bass just wandering around. continue reading...

I am trying to find a way to monitor the movement of the tongue from being flat to humped up. I am doing the vowel sounds as you instructed. Is there a trick to feel the tongue more.

Thanks David.

I should have asked this on the previous question, sorry. I have a new Hohner 20 Harmonica and I tap out my saliva and let it air out etc. I believe I am doing good breathing technique etc., but the beginning Solo drills I am making a muddied sound on hole 2 mostly draw, but the blow could be sharpened up.

I reviewed again your first lesson on holding the harmonica and where the tongue should be etc. but It still sounds forced.

Thank you David!

I am new to your site and I am enjoying what you have created for us.

I am elderly and I am having a small problem with understanding

1. positioning of the hold of the Harmonica, which side of face would the Harmonica be laying across and

2. the orientation of what you mean with where the tongue is pointing for tongue blocking. Is it moving the tip or the base of the tongue which would move the front part of the tongue.

I am holding the harmonica in my left hand as was instructed in your earlier lessons and I can isolate one hole with correct blocking. continue reading...

Dr. Dave, I've always had a problem choosing the key of a song, so I was thrilled when you posted the "how to" section during the intermeadiate lessons with Ryan. So I watched them a couple times took note and the first song I tried was Carey Bell "lonesome stranger"

Here's what happened:
I liked Method 3 so I used my "C" harp played each note and determined that "D" matched best so in 2nd position that would be a "G" harp. I played along to it and I thought it sounded pretty good, I needed work on matching the song but it seemed I was matching it ok. continue reading...