Ask Instructor David Barrett

Just a shout out of THANKS for those of us (or just me for anybody who does not want a stranger speaking on their behalf) who were not able to attend the last large Harmonica Master Class Workshop. It is a real treat to have so many portions available to enjoy.

It certainly cannot make up for the experience and association of being there, but is as close as I'll ever get since, last I checked, we are not able to go back in time yet.

Thanks again for your generosity and hard work of making it available!

Ron

Hi David,
Any thoughts on students being able to add pictures to the posting site?
Seems like pictures would be great and helpful addition function, especially when trying to explain a type of amp or something-
Thanks for all you do!
~ R

David,
I have watched the videos on Tremelo and Vibrato.....as yet no Vibrato for me.
Your Tremelo was a certain waiver to it which seems to me more than just the slapping of the epiglotis.
An ordinary tremelo is more like a stopping and starting of the air, but yours has an up and down quality with it that sounds very much like a Vibrato without going so far as to bend the note.
Case in point....the 1/4 draw Octave in the Strut....3rd Chorus.
It is a beautiful effect.....am I missing something?
Is the tongue moving or the throat changing shap?
Help!

David,
in playing the 4/5 draw dip....is the goal to pull the 4 and 5 down at the same time or just add a little of the 5?
also the 3/4 draw....pull both down at the same time or just add the 4?
I remember just adding a little of the higher notes for texture but going quickly...esp on the 3/4 it seems they are almost equally played..?
Thank you!

David,
in playing the 4/5 draw dip....is the goal to pull the 4 and 5 down at the same time or just add a little of the 5?
also the 3/4 draw....pull both down at the same time or just add the 4?
I remember just adding a little of the higher notes for texture but going quickly...esp on the 3/4 it seems they are almost equally played..?
Thank you!

Dave,
could you give a listen and tell us what you hear?
is it a tremelo harp and what key?
do you know who plays it?
can it be played with a diatonic harp?
what about the tab?
I wish it could be a lesson series....(smile here)....I would pay large...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL-X53ze5O0&feature=related

I know thousands wait your answer.......
Thank you!
Steve

Hi David!!!

I am studying the chromatic song "Cool Blue",
i like it very much , and i have fun to play it :)

i have a question about the song at the 00,23' ,
i hear a glissando kind of sound without notes ( like TRRRRR )
can you tell me what produce this kind of sound ? :)

Thanks,

Best Regards

Marko

I'm trying to work out how to do the pull-slap technique you mentioned in another thread. First of all, just to check I understand what it sounds like, are pull-slaps what I'm hearing on the Rice Miller lick at about 2:02 in the 'closing' video of Gary Smith's interview? continue reading...

for chorus 4- are we to slap all the notes like the 1st bar (3 3 4b 3) and 9th bar (4 14 4b)?

i have been trying with and without slaps. it always sounds cleaner w/o, but on the video i think i hear you slapping but not distinctly and not on every note. perhaps it is a quick slap or almost a slur?

David,
Regarding the pull....I have asked this question before in my earlier studies....what about not moving over to cover the hole to the right on the pull.... just stopping air .... pressurizing.. and then pulling... on the blow or draw...
I know it is suppossed to be an articulation but it sounds like one to me.....only the one hole is not being covered so that is 1 out of 4.....it does not sound like a flutter to me.
I can barely tell the difference if at all....and it is much faster....
Where any of the greats 'cheaters'? ... just kidding...
Am I totally off base? continue reading...