Ask Instructor David Barrett

I missed this part of the instruction in Lesson 1. What do you mean by "Use 'Temperature' jam track from the Tongue Blocking Study 2"?

David,

Would it be possible for you to put together a newbie video that just focuses on breathing? I would have wished the info to be on the intro lessons themselves, but I know it's too late for that now.

There are some areas where I'm just not sure how to breathe. As an example, on the Solo Harmonica Study 1 - Section 2: Bass Lines, on exercises 2.1 - 2.3, I'm struggling to figure out how not to pass out. continue reading...

David,

I was already a very big fan of your teaching methods about a year and a half prior to your website. Prior to this website, I have really enjoyed your book/CD/DVD method. Now that I am a subscriber to your website (I have been since day 1) I am even more impressed with what you have to offer and intend on staying a subscriber until time indefinite.

Since I am halfway through (almost completed level 2 series) your book/CD method, I have a few sincere questions: continue reading...

Hello David,
im a beginner, just finished "walk with me". Im working right now on solo harmonica 1 and 2. I have notice that in the beginner study, i have not checked with the more advanced study, you use allot of the 3 blow instead of the 2 draw. My guess is that its easier on the breathing at this level.

Since i was playing for a few months before with pucker, i kinda force myself to do the 2 draw instead, i dont want to get a bad habbit of playing 3 blow, i fear that learning the riffs this way will train me to always do it this way. continue reading...

I did not pay that much attention to the update to Rollin' Rhumba until I had worked my way up to chorus 7 only to find no connection between what I had and the lesson video. Wow, the changes in many places sure do increase the difficulty level - subtle but oh my!!! Just as I was feeling good about progress (slow progress) on the 4 and 5 hole octaves!!!

I'm just starting to appreciate your comments on how long it will take to learn the chorus and song!!!

Not so much a question as a comment of frustration ;-) Man oh man, Rollin' Rhumba, 5th chorus - switching from 4 hole blow octaves to 5 hole draw octaves is a challenge. I just hope that my having to work my buns on this is a common experience (hate feeling spastic) . I just spent over 30 minutes on one bar (10th bar_ in chorus 5)!!! and only have it a a very slow tempo and not 100% of the time at that. WOW!!!!

Sorry but had to say something, somewhere to get rid of my frustration!!!! Please tell me I'm not alone.

David, do you consider lip blocking the same thing as lip pursing. Up to this point I have always played (some tongue blocking when needed) with the harp very deep in my mouth with my lower lip blocking out all but the hole I wanted to play. This opened my cavity up and helped develop much better tone than a tight pursing of the lips. I thought I remembered that in some of your earlier materials you viewed this as a different technique than pursing. continue reading...

Why the last?

("none of you're damned business" is an acceptable answer)

This is kind of a bummer to hear. Are you telling us you're ready to sit on a bench at Venice beach, shorts up to your chest, knee socks, and big giant black sunglasses - feeding the seagulls while you watch the young girls stroll by?

Hi David,

I've been looking for harmonica sheet music software for some time now, just to have fun doing my own transcriptions. As this is a side of music I love as much as playing instruments. Can you recommend a good harmonica sheet music software for a mac or one that is compatible with the mac, that is for the general public.

Thanks in advanced.............Troy

Holy crap, dude!

How'd you do that?!?