Ask Instructor David Barrett

After watching the lasts Filisko's insights a question came to me
How Joe holds the harmonica when he is using a mic?

David, i got a little lost when it came to your final tube line up. Mark's amp had V1 - 12AT7, V2 - 12AY7, V 3 - 12AU7. I followed yours to V3 - 12AU7, and I thought V1 - AT7, but am unsure about V2. That was a great segment and may save some guys a lot of time and money in the search of that elusive tone. Do you use mag elements for the most part? I just could not get what I wanted with a mag and Harp King and ended up with 151 crystal - should I be looking at it from another angle? Just dropped another $185.00 for replacement crystal today.

Hi David.

I remember to hear you to say you're not a big fan of volume controls, Am I right?

I ask you this, because I am setting a mic petition and I want you're opinion on that.

I want a shire brown but I don't know if a volume control near the cable attachment will interfere in my playing.

Thanks in advance.

These series are really really great.

It is amazing to easily prove that the sound is changing more and more with only a tubes changes.

Anyway I have a problem now. I need to buy a sofa, but the money will go into a baseman and a set of tubes.

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