Ask Instructor David Barrett

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?

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?

Hi David,

I'm a long way from studying first position but I've noticed on your harmonicamasterclass site it lists La Cucaracha in 2nd position. Other places I have seen that it was in 1st position. Are there two differrnt versions in different posituons that you are aware of?

-Taylor

David,

What do you mean when you say a style of playing is "in your face". I think somewhere you referenced Butterfield.

-Taylor

David (or anyone else),

Do you know of good sources for ii V I transition licks? Either harp licks, or horn licks playable on harp.

Thanks,

Steve