Ask Instructor David Barrett

How does LW articulate the 2 draw notes at the beginning of the second chorus of Juke? I can hear the pulls on beats 2 and 3, so he's clearly tongue blocking. But he gets a very strong attack on the notes on the beat (beats 1, 2, 3, 4). I can kind of simulate that attack with a strong 'ga.' But I can't combine the strong 'ga' with pulls very effectively. On the other hand, if I do the standard slaps with pulls, I don't get quite the same strong attack as what I hear.

Is he slapping these notes? Whatever he's doing, it sounds awesome. continue reading...

Hi David,

Not sure if you had answered this before or not, but when do you think is a good point to be "ready" to submit the recording for your review? I'm working on Gary's Blues and The Strut, as well as Solo Study 1 & 2, so I'm plenty busy enough right now, that's for sure. continue reading...

Hi Dave

Could you clear something up for me. I have started Solo Harmonica Study 1. When playing 2 or 3 notes do you just open your mouth enough to play the notes you want without trying to do anything with the tongue? To put another way, is tongue blocking used for playing single notes and for multiple notes you use your embouchure to cover the notes you want.

Thanks

Hi David,
I am a little tentative on getting a mic and amp initially especially because the equipment you speak of is not available easily here. Would it hamper my learning if I were to stick to acoustic playing for a while before I go the amp way?

Hi David, continue reading...

Hi, I joined last weekend and am really enjoying the site. I started on harp at the beginning of January just as a fun hobby... something different to learn… and I got hooked. Aside from a handful of keyboard lessons when I was 14 I never learned any instrument, although I have always loved music and listen to a ton of it. I am mainly a rocker girl, but I also like blues and have been discovering a lot more of it since taking up this new hobby. Funny, I am noticing that many of my all-time favorite songs have harmonica in them and I never realized it before. continue reading...

Hi David,

Currently I find the Special 20 and Lee Oskar harmonicas more comfortable while I am learning tonguing. I also have a Manji and Suzuki Pro master and I find the protruding reed plates uncomfortable, especially when the harmonica is tilted downward. I would like to try the crossover but I believe the reed plates also protrude. Is there an advantage having the reed plates protruding?
Thanks,
Art

Recently purchased the Mel Bay book, "Exploring 3rd Position", Level 2 and have a couple questions...

a) I am playing a Marine Band Deluxe and the upper octave, holes 7-10 are quite un-responsive; mostly the draw holes..Is there a portion of my technique that is lacking; I am tongue blocking, or, is there a reed adjustment problem that I may address?

b) Understanding Position Lesson.....Gary Primach Interview ...Gary had played an example illustrating the tonic change from 1 draw (1 chord), 2 draw (4 chord), 4 draw (5 chord) ..........What cut is that? Thanks

Hi Dave,

Question: Would a lesson on articulation help students learn more quickly to "play for success"?
Thanks,
gcon

Dave, I am starting take it easy now. I have sent you a submission, of that song. I started out with joe tartaglia, am i switching over to ryan walker? I still have quite a bit of work to do with this tune, just wanted to make sure (joe has said goodbye) now ryan is takeing his spot. thanks dan