Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi Dave,

Is it just me or does it seem like Jerry Portnoy is a little late on his timing in this song? Being one of the greats, I can't imagine this is by mistake. It's really throwing me off though and making me dig my heels in deep. Is this purposeful?

-Taylor

Hello David,

Not quite sure if this question applies to people on this site, but it may in some general ways (getting ready for a jam and accompaniment). I'm ready as I can for tomorrow's student concert, but it's the jam on Sunday I'm more concerned about. continue reading...

Dave, I have just finished Improvising study 2, Focus notes, texiures, and rhythm. I have sent you my first version of a song that I put together. Im not quite sure what lesson I should get into now. What would you suggest?

Hi David,

On The homework for section 5 of Improvising Lesson 1 it says to reference Blues Music Theory lessons on the site to complete the homework. I looked over the lesson list several times. Where do I find this?

Taylor

Quick question about speed licks on Rock Harmonica. Is puckering or tongue blocking preferred on ultra fast playing?
-Taylor

Hi David,

I was really happy to see you put up mp3's for the Solo Playing. I was wondering if we will eventually be able to submit those "songs"/playing for feedback.

-Taylor

Are the jam tracks used in the Accompaniment Book available anywhere? I have some of them which were used in the Jam Tracks and Soloing 1 & 2 books but there are a few others I would love to have.

Hi Dave.
Reading your great book "Building harmonica technique" chapter about hand vibrato, you speak there about sonny boy's hand vibrato triplet in one song.
Can you say me which song is that?

Thanks in advance.

Dave, I have just finished my assignment for focus notes. (Improvising 2 ) You told me to move on to Textures. I have made my analysis for the split. My next homework was to make an analysis of my own song that I put together useing Focus notes After looking at my sheet music, and listening to my recording I realize that I didnt hardly do any Textures at all. (I did one flutter, and one bend) . continue reading...

Hi David!

I saw the Blue Midnight hohner blues harmonica and i'm interesting for buy it. So I´d want to know your opinion about this harmonica. I have a Marine Band and Special 20, these are similar of the Midnight?

Here In Brazil, we don't have this harmonica yet, do you know a store that sell and ship to Brazil?

Thanks for your attention!!!