Ask Instructor David Barrett

In the Solo lesson "Quiet World", you use what I hear on a lot of similar solo play - what I'll call "foot stomping". I've tried to record a number of bars on Garage Band and then extend it. It's been my foot hammering on the floor, my fist hammering on the desk, but it just doesn't come out 'musical'. I've searched through the loops in GB but don't see anything that is just a single beat. Any suggestions or tips on how it's done?? I'd like to use it when I submit Quiet World (if I ever get there) and use it for other solo harp stuff. continue reading...

David,
I have ordered a Wezo harp amp.....now the question is what do you think is the best match in a mic for this system?
I am still stuggling to get an airtight cup with my Turner w/CM element so I am hoping it is something not much larger.
Thanks!
Steve

Having trouble bending on a D harp - I can bend more or less okay on C and below and am most comfortable on A and G harps, which I've played the most. I'm pretty sure it's my technique which is at fault since I've got two D harps - a Lee Oskar and a Suzuki Bluesmaster - and the problem's the same on both: I struggle to control anything above 2 draw without getting a whistling sound. I can bend 5 draw and 6 draw on lower harps okay, as well as the blow bends up to 10 blow, but for some reason I get this whistling on the D harps. What does that mean? Am I trying to bend it too far?

Here is a good one...
Charles Bronson played the character Harmonica in the movie...ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST...directed by Sergio Leoni...A Classic!
To create tension Bronson played a short (maybe for notes with a single bend) riff..right before the bad guys got their butts kicked.
Do you know the note combination and key of harp?
My brother and I have been wondering for years...I would like to play it for him.
I figure with the bend this could be considered a legitimate blues question.
Thank you Master..
Steve

Hi Dave, continue reading...

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?