Ask Instructor David Barrett

David - I've searched all over because I think somewhere there is information on the different grooves (maybe at Masterclass sessions???) Some are obvious (rhumba, shuffle) but I'm trying to sort out in my mind some of the others. Can you point me in the right direction - one of your books??? Thanks

Some of the notes in The Split end with a very cool crunch sound - the 6 blow in the second bar (if you count the pickup bar - do you count the pickup bar?) , the 6 blow in the 6th bar and especially the 5 draw in the 8th bar. How do you get this sound?

I still haven't made it through all the good stuff here on the site yet. But I was just wondering if there is anything new for June/July.

thanks,

Powersolo

I don't know where to begin. I got papers all over the place, trying to start somewhere, so I feel like practice time gets wasted. Here's some of the issues I can see: continue reading...

Right now I'm trying to sort out how to set up the software equalizer in Garage Band. I "think" the range of a harp is in the 150 hz - 3.5 khz range but obviously (???) this will vary depending on the key of the harp I'm using. Is this the right range??

So for now the question is - Is there a rule of thumb for adjusting the frequencies or is it strictly trial and error?? Like move the slide as you are listening and stop where you like the sound?? continue reading...

Hi, David!

in the "in cup" technique it is possible to play the high end of the harmonica?
because I have difficulty to play the fifth hole above....and
in this case the first holes are not covered, this influence the cupping?

thanks
best regards
Marko

David,
I think in one of the Joe Filisco interviews you asked him how he got achieved great intonation..and he said he overcame the "gag reflex"...and something about how you have to form just the right throat shape to get the best tone for each note.....all bends and natural.
I just read the first few pages of Steve Baker's .. Blues Harmonica Playalongs..Vol 1..and in the first example he plays a 4 draw, 3 draw,4 blow , 3 draw, and then 2 ..2 draws. continue reading...

Hi David and thanks again for the review of my first submission - Temperature. continue reading...

Mr. Barrett,

finally I got to bend some reeds tongueblocked. I started out as a pucker and with that I could bend all reeds right on the money to all pitches I wanted. Right now I managed to bend the three draw to all seperate notes. I can seem to bend the 4 draw and the 6 draw but not as hard enough to get them all the way down. It seems the 3 and 2 draw reed are easier to bend tongueblocked then the 4 and 6 draw. I find it also easier to bend on the g and a harp. Is this all common or am I using too much force? continue reading...

David, Kinya made a point in one of his recent thread responses about "watching over the shoulder of a master" when it came to harp customization. With all of the recent thread traffic on this topic, maybe it would be a good idea to entice Kinya to do a series of videos on this topic.

What say you?