Ask Instructor David Barrett

Not MY divorce. A good friend and former bandmate is going through a divorce and he is giving me his 1952 wide panel Fender Tweed DeLuxe Reverb and his 1961 Fender Pro (I think he didn't want his wife getting them). They are both in pretty good shape. He had a hand injury a few years ago and doesn't play any more, so he has no need for them. I'm driving up to New Hampshire this next weekend to pick them up, along with some other interesting stuff. continue reading...

David,

I figured with your knowledge of blues harp players you may be the guy to answer this for me.

One of my favorite blues men was Willie Foster from Leland Mississippi. But I've also heard of another harp player by the name of Little Willie Foster, can you tell me if this is the same person or different and anything I can listen too by Little WF.

This is like a love - hate relationship - man, I love it (when you play it) but oh my, working at it is something else. There is so much in this one!!

6th chorus, when we go to the iv chord, it is a switch to a 9-6 split (from the 9-5 in bar 5)?? Why is the 9-5 split in the first bar of the iv chord not also a 9-6?? Just trying to understand chord structures. In the video, you comment on the 9-5 in the 2nd bar and say it can be played also as a 9-6 for more dissonance. So does this imply its optional??

Hi David. I've got one of those low C Steve Baker Specials, and I was wondering if you are planning any lessons using that little tone monster? I love the sound of it but so far my imagination hasn't taken me very far with it.

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