Ask Instructor David Barrett

I just started to seriously tongue block about 3 months ago. Until then i had been Lip blocking for about 14 years. I have noticed that on the A harp the tongue blocked 2 draw sounds weak. I can get the not pretty well lip blocking. I also notices that the note is a little flat according to the Trusty Bend-o-meter. I have tried several harps so i am pretty sure that it is me and not the harp. I remember that when i first started that the C would give me a little trouble. I try to relax my jaw but I am still having trouble. Any words of wisdom?

I am trying to figure out the harp key for "the fever" ala Southside Johnny. The song itself is in Em but a D major harp just does not sound right in third position, close but not quite. The A major actually sounds closest to the correct harp key. Can you answer the question of what the actual key is on this song? I need to learn this part PDQ to play a gig in a week! Thanks for your help. BTW, I still love the site, its good to be back!

Hi David,

I had the privilege of a 30 minute skype session with Steve Baker last night. Where he instructed me on how a jutted jaw approach to placing the harp helps tone.

I was amazed at the quality of such a simple suggestion. I wanted to ask you if you offer such sessions. Especially because if I were to take one of your lessons and played it out you may visually be able to say what I am doing wrong. continue reading...

Hi David,

Just a quick question:
Do we expend more breath when we tongue block?
Because I seem to be able to hold the note longer when I pucker.

Regards
Sridhar

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