Ask Instructor David Barrett

''FROM YOUR WEB SITE'' I want to download some jam tracks to a CD so I can play my E and Low F harps. continue reading...

I'm having difficulty identifying where in a song the chords transition from the I to the IV to the V. I thought it would be helpful if the progression could be identified on a jam track and I could listen while the chord progression is identified.

Morning David.
I do not understand some BASIC concepts. I have a Hohner Chr. 12.
How does one place his tongue to blow just hole #1? This note seems more difficult than C on the four hole.
Secondly, do Chr. players have to do as much tongue blocking as the diatonic dudes do?
Finally, does the chromatic learning manual involve such an effective demo as you do in the diatonic series with Joe Tataglia?
Thanks, ron0

Hi David The first shuffle King video you played some examples. What were they ? Could you put a video on how to play them.

Thanks

Dear Mr. Barrett,

from which song is the turnaround-lick #15 in the turnaround studies from?

thanks.

Where should I be in my Blues Harmonica studies before purchasing and diving into your Rock Harmonica book?
-Taylor

Watching videos of harpists with amazing tone like Big Walter Horton, James Cotton or Rick Estrin, it seems that their embouchure is not very deep. In fact Estrin takes the harmonica in a way that his index finger is just in the middle of the harmonica plate leaving a little space for the lips.
What is the correct tongue blocking embouchure depth?

Hey David,

Ive just signed up to your excellent site and have started to go through the tongue blocking lessons.

What I'm finding is that when tongue blocking the corners of my mouth rub against the harmonica which leaves them feeling quite sore.

I've tried lubricating the harp with my spit as you demonstrate, however this only keeps the harp wet for a couple of bars, and then it feels as though my lips gets stuck to the harp and get rubbed raw.. continue reading...

Dear David,

I read that the SK judging has been completed but I could not find your comment on my piece.
BTW I'm more than glad that I've entered the contest, it's been a great experience.
Some fine instrumental were submitted by players with different experience levels, proving that any player can come up with a great hook, groove or phrase.

All the best,
Steven Troch

Hi David,

I've been practicing my bends with a Lee Oskar. I asked him at his show on Friday and it confirmed my suspicions that his harps are equal tempered. That's been ok lately. I can more easily see if I'm bending to the the right tune on my chromatic tuner (I try to slowly bend down to and hold the bend in the green as long as possible).

I've noticed that when I put the tuner to the speaker to the songs you're playing (in this case Feelin' For the Blues) it's a little different. I'm guessing you are using a harmonica that is not equal tempered and probably just compromised. continue reading...