Ask Instructor David Barrett

Just had to say thanks for the cable coiling tip/video. I've done it often enough now that it's pretty automatic and takes less time than it took tone old way because its not all 'gibbled' when I finish the set. Very great practical tip!! Thanks - oh and the guitar guys totally approve ;-)

I have listened that Mark Hummel in his instructional video says that Big Walter did never shake his head in order to do a trill.

Is this right?

If this is right Which technique did he use? Just the hands?

Hi David,

So I'm going to be on trains, planes, and automobiles for the next few days. In other words, I won't be able to practice for about a week. What are some things I could do in the meantime? Can you recommend some books or explain how to actively listen to music? Any other ideas would help. It seems like only missing a few days sets me back too far.

-Taylor

Ok. One final question for a while then I'll give you a break. haha. I finished the Bending studies 1-6 (although I'm still working on controlling the 10 overblow and even getting a 10 overblow on the D and Bb harps). I really dig the overblows but it seems like they are used more commonly in 1st position for more of the country sounding blues. You mentioned at the end of Bending Study 6 that you would be having a Bending Study 7 that would have overblows in the 2nd position. Since I'm choosing to stick with 2nd position for a while, I was wondering if this is still in the works soon. continue reading...

Hi David,

Sorry for all these questions. Now that I've finished all the tongue blocking and bending lessons, should I focus on building up my repertoire, studying new songs and artists before learning 3rd and 1st postions? I'm just worried that when I'm working on my improvising in 2nd position it might screw me up if I have a bunch of 3rd and 1st position licks in my head. How long should I spend studying 2nd position before moving on to 3rd and then 1st? Is 3rd and 1st used that often in rock?

-Taylor

David,

What articulation would you use for a blow bend dip in a song like Big Walter's La Cucaracha?

-Taylor

David,

On the fourth chorus is the "oodlelottlelottle" stuff done while tongue blocking or puckering? Having a tough time with this part.

-Taylor

Putting a lot of blow, sweat, and tears into this song. Man, there really aren't any freebies in it. I was just curious if you could ask Gary if he remembers what his setup was the night this song was performed.
-Taylor

Dave,
I just began Study 3.....the 5, '4/5, '4, 3, 2, 2 combo to start.
I am amazed that you can play these without hardly touching the harp...I have to pracitcally bury the harp in my mouth to get anything to happen.
I see now that you want us to be tongue blocking all the time....is it possible to play fast this way?
Can I pucker some of these to start..? although i can see that changing embouchere is a pain.
Your lessons with Joe on bending are very good.
Thanks,
Steve

I've only been using the 'intuitive approach' in 3rd position on the diatonic and chromatic and haven't dug into the study songs yet, but I'm after some 'quick wins' to get me on the right track. Can you tell me what double stops (as in adjacent notes rather than octaves) are available in 3rd position and whether there are some definitely to avoid?