Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dave, I have followed you and Joe Tartaglia, up to the point here he decided to move on, to different projects. You have passed the lessons over to Ryan Walker.. Im looking forward to going through the lessons with you and Ryan. I plan on going through each lesson, on the site, starting with Tremolo review all the way up to the most current leson. Alot of my submissions were examples that I still have trouble playing, I would like to follow Ryan, picking up tips from you, along the way. continue reading...

Wondering if you have the Duke Ellington song " In a sentimental mood " tabbed in sheet music ? I can't seem to find it for diatonic. I've heard some nice versions and would like to start learning it. Beautiful song.

Hi Dave,

I just bought my Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe a few months ago. I haven't even played it hard or very much and the 5 blow sharp is not longer working normally. I know the reed can't be blown out because when I make my embouchure super small (a la overblowing on diatonic), it works fine. The tiniest embouchure possible is the only way I'm able to get any sound out of it. Any ideas what might be wrong? I hate to spend $60 on a service charge for a harmonica I didn't buy too long ago if it's something easy to fix.

-Taylor

When you are practicing slaps, is it better to get to where you can play the lick reasonably well without slaps, and then add the slaps, or should I be practicing it all along with the slaps, even if I am stumbling over some of it?

David...What does it take to get the transcription of this??

Hi David,
This is just a line to thank you for the interviews with Charlie and Billy Boy. These guys are the essence of what Chicago Blues has been for me. I go back to the mid 60's. The interviews were so rich in story and the dynamic of oral history.
I have re-watched both so much my wife is threatening mutiny! LOL

Thanks David

Hi!

In the video with Ryan Walker - Lesson 2 - How to play Take It Easy Now with a Band, Part 3 - you mention about the School of the Blues Jam Sessions.

Can subscribers of bluesharmonica.com join as well ?

thanks!
M

Hi David,

Aside from the Artist Study on Little Walter, what would be some good first Little Walter songs to start off learning for someone looking to dive into deep study of his music? I know nearly all of his stuff is pretty advanced but it seems like some songs are more complicated than others.

-Taylor

I am having a heck of a time with the trill in the 6th chorus of Walk with Me. I have no trouble with the speed lick leading it into it, but I just can't seem to make that trill sound nice and not choppy. Any tips?

I am a beginner and just received my new Crossover Harmonica. I noticed that I could not draw a note on the five hole. Thinking it might be me, I blocked the 4 and 6 hole with my fingers and I cannot get a sound when I draw. Is this a defective harmonica? Is there anything I can do to fix the harmonica? Thanks.

Gordon