Ask Instructor David Barrett

I'm not clear about when to articulate with a 'k' and when to cough - 'k' on the draw and cough on the blow? What about faster sequences of notes - do you still articulate in the same way?

david,was wondering if you were planning any high end study songs.

I was mistaken.....Why key of A?

Hello David,
Just wondering why D and not C to start with? I know there is a good reason. My short experience with my D seems that the first 3 holes blow and draw take more effort than C.
Also bending even with pucker on 2 and 3 take much greater effort and bending or no ... my tongue block seems to have much less strength...at least now.
Maybe its my harp...but i know that is a mistaken belief of beginners.
Thank you!
Steve

David -

Really enjoyed learning the various verse forms, however the fill licks were a MAJOR challenge!
Didn't seem like anything I tried to play here sounded very good.
Are there some basic rules for fill licks, or is it something that will just come with more experience and a "greater vocabulary?"

Thank you.

Hi David - I suddenly noticed that in the order of the lesson you "suggest", its chorus 1 of both songs then chorus 2 etc. When I did my first section I stuck with the same song through to the end of it and then started the other one. Do you prefer or recommend one system or the other or does it really matter???

And while I'm at it, I've been working on the Solo Harmonica lessons in between as a bit of a break. Is that your intent or .......?

Thanks

Dave, I posted a while back - and you responded - about a problem I have with my tongue due to a surgical mishap a few years back. I mentioned to you that sometimes my tongue can kind of think for itself and do weird things. Well, it just did one of those weird things by jumping between my teeth while I was eating lunch today (this happens every so often). As a result, I've got a very sore bite on the right side. continue reading...

David -

I am working in your beginning study materials (hope to get through Walk With Me this weekend to submit for your review)!...

Obviously still learning techniques...
I'm thinking it's way to early to begin practicing with mic and amplification, but wanted to see what your thoughts are on this topic..
When is the right time?

Thank you again for this fabulous resource and absolutely incredible site!
I was flailing away at trying to learn to play harmonica, but this site offers the structured learning format that was much needed by me! Thank you.

Peter

can you tell me a decent amp and mic to purchase thats not going to cost a grand or better please i am new to amplified playing and wasnt a big fan for a while but its growing on me thanks

Dave

Should there be a Jam Track for“Quiet World”on Solo Harmonica Study 4?