Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

Meeting "real" musicians and trying to keep up with the conversation. What's a "dominant" 7th? Is that the same thing that we play in 12 bar blues, or is the 7th different in some way? If so, how?

There was a conversation about Ray Charles's Unchain My Heart--the first change is a V dominant, not a IV minor--which is what Joe Cocker plays and everyone imitates Joe Cocker.....V dominant more interesting. continue reading...

Hi David, thanks for your post on my thread about slow video, in the 'General' forum. I was just posting there in attempt to gauge whether the problem was specific to me or a broader group. As you will have seen, it didn't draw many comments. I expect if others were having trouble they would have chimed in. Although not many post regularly, there seem to be plenty people browse the forum.
So I conclude it's not widespread. continue reading...

Just curious - and I don't know if the question in the Tip of the Day was for self reflection or looking for responses.

But back to the first point - where do we respond to questions or comments in the Tip of the Day section? (which I find very useful and thought provoking)

Hi David,

For the most part I have Sonny's Bird down pretty well but I'm having trouble playing through all 11 Choruses in one shot. About halfway through, my harp becomes so water-logged from spit all the notes start drowning and going flat until I tap it out. I've tried putting the music up on a stand and tilting my head back but I'm still having issues. Any tips?

-Taylor

Hi David,

You mentioned that you and Ryan would be digging into Improv lessons. Just wondering if you would be posting these videos even if you've gone over that material with Joe Tartaglia.

-Taylor

Hi David,

The newsletter used to be on the home page but I'm not seeing the link anymore. Are these being phased out?

-Taylor

Hi David

Watching the new vids with Ryan ( Great Stuff !!! ) What Harp are you using in the Tremolo Review ? Want to use the same Harp while watching.

Thanks Harplayer

Hi David

I practice 1st Position ( C ) Blues Scale. When I get to 3 1/2 step bend and 2 1/2 step n 2 whole step . It Doesn't sound the same ( when u do it ) The same thing when I practice the Major Pentatonic when I get to the 3 whole step. its that nice hollow sound u get. trying to adjust my tongue position n mouth chamber. I notice that if I move a little closer the
( 2 ) n draw it sounds a little more ( Hollow but still not like when u do it )

Thanks Harplayer

I' ve been self taught ( other than 4 group classes with Jon Gindick) for 14 mos now. He primarily teaches the pucker embouchure which I already used beng self taught. So that was all fine & good. Recently I started the beginners lesson plan on this site and it's all tongue block embouchure. I knew at some point, to play the blues, I'd have to learn tongue blocking. So why not now. I'm doing better with it now although at first it felt ackward. I can see the advantage of TBing though. Gindick is going to be holding a weekly class in Feb in my home town. continue reading...

David, I just got back from competing in the IBC in Memphis and doing a showcase for Blind Racoon. What struck me more than anything else was the extreme differences in tone achieved by both the first timers and those that have been winners there before. I played with Grady Champion and noted that his tone was actually pretty clean, then listened to a young player from Wyoming who was about as "overdriven" as you can get. I asked the Wyoming player what he was playing through (Rum Boogie Cafe) and he told me just the Fender amp (looked like Hot Rod Deluxe) that was there. continue reading...