Ask Instructor David Barrett

When learning the shake, as you move from the lower note to the upper note, should I move my tongue up as well? Say from blocking holes 1-3 on the 4 blow, to hole 4 as well for the 5 blow?

Hi David, I've been using the Levels of achievement for a while now - albeit with a good few delays with me having Covid, and am back learning again. I'm not finding it easy at all but trying hard. I am learning on Big River Harp harmonicas but I have recently been very generously bought a set of Marine Band harmonicas. I had no idea that the holes would be different sizes, and I feel like I'm back at square one again - could you give me some advice on how to transition to the much smaller and finer instrument please?

Kind Regards

Nessa

Good morning David,

In Ear Training I, you go through different notes, regardless of method, to pick the one that matches the song. I listen to the notes and all of them sound like they all could fit; they do not give me a feeling of "this is the right note". I tried to go through the tracks in the training and had the same result - any note I play "fits" similarly in the song.

Is there an alternative practice method to train the ear? 

Thank you,

Anton

David, I am studying the 12 bar blues in level of achievment 3. section 2 applying chords Hole changes. Im working out the different chord changes to holes 1-6. Have you got a jam track I want you with me that has no singing or harp on it so i can really practice the whole changes, i cannot seem to find one. Im probably not looking in the right place. This would be a big help. many thanks

Hi David,

I bought a C-harmonica to learn playing. It seems not the same sound so I saw on the video that you have a A-harmonica.

Do I need to get one for your studies?

Glad to hear from you, 

Regards Nelly

Hello David,

I'm working through the free trial that came with my Hohner set and really enjoying it so far, will definitely continue when it runs out. However, I've noticed with longer practice sessions, sometimes the following day I develop pimples around my lips/mouth and even my nose depending on my harmonica hold. Is this the kind of thing that just goes away as my technique improves or are there specific tips to prevent this? I've tried disinfecting my harp regularly but just wondering what other advice you have.

Thanks!

Noah

Good afternoon. Ow often is it necessary to disassemble the harmonica and clean it thoroughly? Thank you very much for your answer 

hi David

I have stayed home for the last two years because of co-vid and when places to play were at a minimum.I did not play or practice.I am concerned and yet at the same time not concerned. I presume I will again be ok. In the past this has happened a few times and each time I was able to grow and move into new place. I would like to thinkI I again will go past what was before and grow.
A month or two ago I went to bend the 4th inhale note and found that I could not do it. continue reading...

David i have only been trying to bend for about ten days now and im doing quite well. i can bend holes 123 to their full range while tongue blocking, obviously they need a lot of work to hit them precisely, but i cannot get holes 4 and 5. I realize that hole 5 doesnt bend the same as other holes. when i try to bend hole 5 while lip pursing i hit c# on the harp ninja which seems to sound like im getting the right amount of bend. I can also get the 4 hole to bend while pursing, but tongue blocking i am failing at. can you give me a tip where to find holes 4 and 5. continue reading...

I would like to say what a great webb site, i have been studying for about nine weeks and am really enjoying it. I get a bit confused at times, because when i look at some of the work your students are doing [your wife and Bob holdsworth) it is different to the work in the levels of achievement programme, why is this. obviously i dont want to miss out on any of the lessons. secondly where do i find the pdfs for the daily warm up lessons you have created, i couldn't find them. many thanks