Ask Instructor David Barrett

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?

That was fun! .....I played the chorus you wrote for me in our lesson to get to know the blues scale against Pete Schmidt's Slow Minor in D jam track. It sounds great, and I can move those notes around within the chord and they work! Just played around with the rhythm a bit for that groove.

I: 6+ / 6+ 5 4 4' 4+ 3' / 2
IV: 4+ 4+ 2 3' / 4+ 4+ 2 3' /I: 6+ 5 4 4' 4+ 3' / 2
V: 4 5 4 5 4 / 4+ 4+ 2 3' 4+ / 2

Do I remember correctly, I could add a 6 if I wanted for the I chord for minor, yes? What about the IV and V? continue reading...

Hey Dave!, was wondering if you have thought of compiling a on going list of suggested reading? I've read a couple of the books you qoute in your "Tip of the Day" and although I'm very much an novice I have benefited greatly from the intellectual endevor. Thanks!

Dave I have just finished study 4 improvising. I have sent you my latest version of my song Blues for Casey. In my latest version I have changed 4 of my 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,5-4-1 endings, and I tried to control my volume better. After listening to my song, can I, and should I move on to section 5 ? Just so you know, I cant get most of the 5-4-1 endings !!! I plan on going over all of your examples many times, but right now alot of them are a struggle. continue reading...

Dave,
Are there any plans to have lessons on Chugging and Train type stuff.?
Steve

David, I want to compose a song for the Swing contest. I plan on making it a 12 bar blues and use a jam track hopefully with a swing groove. I'm still confused on the structure I need to have so it passes your muster in the ''V-IV-! Transition form'' it must take. I can't understand quite yet how to compose a very simple song with V-IV-! Transitions. continue reading...

I start off practicing by trying different techniques on harmonicas I don't play a lot (or at all so far). The 2" and 3"' are challenging. Are there songs played on the Low F that would motivate me to try? Besides just for the challenge?