Ask Instructor David Barrett

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

This may be a administrative question - How do I change my account name from Bugworks to Ron Wikstrom?

It seems that my 4 draw tone is a little thin. I am happy with my acoustic tone, but amplified it just doesn't seem as fat. There seems to be something about the shape of the chamber in my mouth on the 4 hole that keeps me from getting that fat sound I can get from the 1-3 holes. I can't seem to ge a good "honk" out of it. Dropping my jaw seems to help bit, yet feels unnatural. I understand it is a higher note and not as bassy, but it still seems a tad thin. Any suggestions? Thanks!

The new lessons on improvising (and the related Gary Smith, Mark Hummel/RickEstrin and Joe Tartaglia submissions) are pure gold - fantastic ideas!

When does a repetitive chorus form like AAA become a hook - does it depend on whether the whole band plays the same idea? And how far does the chorus form concept apply to other kinds of chord progressions, like common jazz progressions (not that I can play jazz, but I'm just curious)? It's so much more helpful than the 'tell a story' advice or 'learn your scales first', which is what I've stumbled on in the past when trying to learn guitar.

About the 1 hole tongue block, tongue switching

Can you do it all the time? Like on the turn-around -2 -2" -1 -1 it seems counterintuitive

I have trouble switching from a technique to another. Would be better for me to stick to a method on the 1 hole

Maybe i just need more speed with the tongue

.

David,

I'm lovin' the scale talk on your Tip of the Day. This, I think, is the key area for me to work on for what I'm shooting for with harp (I'm still remembering Jason Ricci's interview on the importance of scale work which mimics my own learning experience in rock music work).

Are you planning to do any videos on this stuff? I'm having a tough time grasping the context and would love some exercise work that makes sense (I used to have the same problem with your books, which is why I love that you started this site. I've always been an ear-and-eye-learner).