Ask Instructor David Barrett

Found my answer...

I just bought a mic and, although I'm loving playing through it, it adds another layer of technique to master. I've gone back to your Playing Amplified video and now realise what a huge difference a tight cup makes to the tone. But to get the right tone, I'm really having to tilt the harp against my cheek to seal the upper holes. This new, awkward position has made it tricky to get some of the bends and it's also now a struggle to play above the first four holes without mashing my lip into my teeth! continue reading...

Hi, Prof.

Jump and swing blues are the coolest!

I'm having trouble with the fourth chorus of this tune. It seems like what it written is not exactly what is being played. I understand about syncopation and all, but it still seems like it's all a beat later on paper than in the tune.

And I notice that in the video you start on the upbeat of 3 for the initial pickup (and you say that), but on paper there is only an eight note on the upbeat of 4, which seems to be where the trouble starts. continue reading...

Hello David,
Regarding pulls...if i tongue block slap of 4 blow for example...and am going to do a pull (blow) 1234... i dont see any difference in just not blocking that 4 hole because when you blow that 4 get hit again anyway...
does that make sense?
I cant hear any difference..and it is a lot simpler..
Steve

Dear Mr. Barret, Maybe I'm wrong, but do you bend those notes on your studys tongue-blocked? 

Hi David,
Thank you .... i did not realize there was some info on mics on the website.
Can you recommend a hand held mic for accoustic?
The one Joe mentioned is $699.
Steve

Practicing on Solo Harmonica Study 2, exercise 1.7, I'm having some trouble on the IV chord. I've had this trouble crop up in some other areas of my practice as well. continue reading...

Hi David,
In the case of non blues songs...Lovely May....would you use a bullet mic and loosen the cup or is it better to hold a condenser mic in hand or mount it on a stand?
Thank you...
Steve

David, can you sometime amend the mic and amp setup portions of the equipment videos you made to include the "Butterfield" style of amplification and Shure mics? Or are the setups identical?

Hi David,
on Ex. 1.10...the James Cotton piece.
is it better to tongue switch here or just go all the way to the left and hit the 1 draw before going back to the 2 draw on a tongue block?
Thank you!
Steve