Ask Instructor David Barrett

Dear Mr. Barrett, is there a way to get hold of the past newsletters?

david, when are where can we get one those cool school of the blues shirts.

I've just started working on Solo Harp #1. I got to example 1.10 (the James Cotton lick), and have a question. I've been tongue blocking on the entire harp. When I get down to the 1st hole, I tongue switch (switch my tongue to the right side of my mouth to hit the 1 hole). It seems a little hard to hit the 1st hole (tongue switched) and then hit the 2nd hole right away. I was wondering how you go about doing this? Hope my question makes sense! Also, are you sliding for the 2+ 3+ 2+ like Ex. 1.5?
Thanks,
-Ryan

Hi David,

I was starting a boogie rhythm with a slap on the 2 draw and then moving to the 3 draw, 4draw, etc.
It sounded different then other boogie rhythms that had more of a "ta" stacutto articuation.

So I figured out that they were starting with a 2 draw pull to a single note instead of a slap.

I am not sure if I missed it or not but did you have a lesson where you started for example with your tongue over the 1 and 2 hole and with a "ta" sounded the 2 draw and right back down to get ready for the 1,2 pull and then repeat on the 3 and 4 draw? continue reading...

Hi David, I did'nt go through all the topics, but my question is how can you bend a note and tongblock at the same time? I pucker and can bend all notes up to 6/7 well but don't understand how to bend while tongblocking.

Thanks
menno

Hi David. It's been pointed out to me that I take my lips off the harmonica more than necessary. I've watched myself in the mirror and it seems that I'm unconciously taking my lips off the harp as my lips become too dry to easily move side to side (which is all the time), and when I'm wanting extra accent on slaps. Also, sometimes I just want a breath. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks
Greenshoes

Mr Barrett,

Howdy, I recently joined you site after checking out the previews and hearing some good things. Basically trying to just make my playing better. In particular I was interested in the tongue blocking lessons as I have until hopefully in the not to distant future been playing via lip pursing only. continue reading...

I was just going to send you an email on this, but since I'm already here - thanks for the Scales Tip-O-The-Days. This is just what I was looking for.

Now to work on some speed and articulation.

David, I've just started experimenting with 5 hole splits/octaves. I can get them okay when I put more harp in my mouth but is that the right way to do it? The problem I've got doing it this way is that I have to adjust my grip on the harp to do it - not such a problem when playing acoustic, but I totally lose a tight cup when using a mic.

David,

I am greatly enjoying Improvising Study 1. In your introduction to the new contest, you say there are Improvising Studies, # 2, 3, and 7. Where are they? I can't seem to find them under the Lessons link.

Thanks!

Jim