Ask Instructor David Barrett

I've looked though the old threads and I don't think anyone has asked this before, when i play my G harp 2 and 3 holes i find that it's easier to produce clear notes when i decrease the size of my mouth cavity, unlike when playing the 3 hole draw on the A where dropping my jaw to increase my mouth cavity size makes it easier to sound the note. I'm assuming this has something to do with the resonance frequency of my mouth being wrong for those particular notes on the G harp? continue reading...

dave any chance that I could get the tab sheet for this. thanks

I still consider myself a beginner. On TB Study 3 and Bending Study 2. Have not got into the Solo Harmonica Study yet (although my next question may lead me to the need to focus here as well)! continue reading...

David, I'm spending a lot more time now practicing amplified, but I'm struggling a bit with the mic.

I have a JT-30 Hohner Blues Blaster with the XLR connector. I'm not sure that I'm holding it correctly. I've watched your videos, but I have a couple of questions:

First, should the harp be centered over the face of the mic? Typically with my hold, I have holes 1 - 6 over the face of the mic, with 7 - 10 hanging off of the edge. continue reading...

Hi !!!
I saw the interview with Joe Filisko, on blow bending,
he talking about bad tones...(fantastic sound!)
this technique is a change in tone or pitch?
it is obtained by moving up the tongue with a small embouchure ??

thanks!
Marko

ive been listening to johnny winters the woodstock experience cd and know big walter plays the harp on mean mistreater but was wondering who plays on the rest of the album or is it various harp players like back door friend

David, you have proven yourself to have a bionic ear when it comes to figuring out what people are playing in songs and being able to transcribe it. So, before you turn this power to evil, might I suggest you use it for the forces of good with a new regular topic:

"How'd dey do dat?"

For starters, can you explain how Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson of Canned Heat was able to perform his solos in "On the Road Again" on an "A" harp? Try it. It doesn't quite work. continue reading...

David,
Wondering how much time you think is needed to learn each series well. I am still on the Beginning Series and am in no rush but dont want to fall too far behind. On the other hand once out of the series I dont think I would return so I dont want to move on until I am very comfortable.
I listen to your lessons sometimes over and over and I often learn something I did not even hear or understand the first time.
Your choice of lesson material, mix, and change of keys is excellent. continue reading...

David,
What do you think is best for our lessons....equal or just tunings?
My new Suzuki is Just tuned and the 5 draw is quite flat as is the 9 draw.....on a 4/5 trill...it does not sound as good....or maybe I am not used to it.
I read Just was better for playing Blues.
Comments?
Thank you..
Steve

This is the one I've been waiting for!

I just finished watching your great interview with Rod. I don't think I've actually seen an interview with him ever, and you really got a lot out of him. continue reading...