Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I have played for a few months now, but I noticed that very often, when I play a note (either blow or draw; pucker or tongue block), there is an audible brief flow of air before the sound of the note kicks in. It's as if the reed did not react immediately to the breath. I made sure my lips were hermetically placed on the harmonica and that the cover plates were tight. I'm wondering if that would be the result of my technique or that of the building of the harmonica, or maybe something else. Any help or advice on this issue would be appreciated. Thank you.

Hi David,

I have the Bassman but can you recommend a good small tube amp at around the same price range that would sound good with a CM mic?

-Taylor

Just had to say: Before working on this site, the Bernstein video would have caused a glaze to for over my eyes BUT the sections you pointed out made total sense, reinforced what you are teaching. Thank you!!

David,any chance of getting a copy of the tab thanks

David,

In case anyone asks, because they think it's an exageration: When I first opened your site, I saw that Aki had gone professional. I didn't realize until that moment that, if I applied myself, School of the Blues gives me everything I need to aim high. It was quite a Eureka! moment for me.
(My recent move is taking more out of me than I expected, but I see the light at end of the tunnel and know I'll be able to devote more time to improvising every day soon, which is really the heart of my struggle.)

Best,

Annamarie

More of an observation than a question but you and Mark totally sound like wine connoisseurs while discussing the sound of the Bassman changes. I love it!

Thank you for the Bassman Chronicles.
-Taylor

Ok. It's been almost a week since I think I've posted so I have a few saved up..haha.

1) When you play chromatic to you personally leave your finger on the button the whole time?

2) On the chord changes of your transcriptions, what does the '7' mean next to them (eg. I7, IV7, ect)?

3) Do you have any ideas about cleaning the tweed on the Bassman? I have some scuffs and black marks I want to clean off before attempting to laquer it.

4) After So Blue For You, what order should I do; The Big One, Blue Light, and the GH Smith Study? continue reading...

1. How do the blues scale and solo blocking work together? The solo blocking is too boring on its own, but the blues scale has "illegal" notes in it, which is the point, but doesn't that invalidate the solo blocks? How come the solo blocking has to be so particular for each chord, but the blues scale is the same for any chord? I want to play the blues; I don't get it. Very frustrating. continue reading...

Hi David,

I can't find those speakers anywhere on the Megatone site.

-Taylor

Hi David,

My wife and I recently bought a new house that we plan on being in for a long time. One requirement for our new house was that I have a place to play amplified blues harp, albeit at low volume. The house fulfills that need. So, I'm planning on buying an amp, and the Wezo ME-18 is on the short list. I had a Wezo-45 for some time before selling it to a fellow BluesHarmonica.com member. I loved that amp, and as you said, it is fantastic even at low volume. How is the ME-18 at low volume? Also, do you have any experience with the optional half-power switch?

Thanks,

Gregg