Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi Sir David

I have just started to watch yourvideos from Lessons part, but Im kinda confused about the order

Could you please guide me the order of lessons inside each Level? is it started simply from left to right? or it has some special precedure?

Thank you in advance

Hi David,

I recently joined Blues harmonica.com and am having a great time learning the harmonica with you.  I've just completed and thoroughly enjoyed your Music theory study 1. As one with no musical background I really like  the way you present the information and find it simple to understand. You refer to study number 2 and 3 in your closing comments  and I'd like to proceed but I can't find them on the lessons page. Can you help?

Kind regards, Simon

I have been playing for many years - but with very limited techniquesl I'm one of those people who can curl their tongue and I play almost entirely using the tip of my tongue on the bottom of the harmonica to direct air in and out to one of more notes.

Am I cursed with this well-engrained playing approach or can it be used to plan the same solefull licks as you teach?  Tongue blocking is proving difficult for me since I've played so long "curled"? 

Hey david, thanks for getting back to me quickly on my last question. I just have one more quick question, is it normal to run out of breath while I'm learning? and is there a good way to work on this to be able to play longer?

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