Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David! I heard someone saying that salivation is result of bad breathing technique. Is that true? I try to breath from my diaphragm and always play with clean mouth but sometimes moisture clogs the harmonica or maybe a reed flattens a bit until the instrument dries. What do you think about this topic? Thanks

Hi David, 

I was going through the flash cards using AI .

The question I got asked was what is the root note of the V chord within a 12 bar blues .

My answer was D, it said it was wrong. below is the answer I got back. 

That's incorrect. The root note of the V Chord within the 12 Bar Blues is actually A. You might have confused it with the root note of another chord. Remember, the V Chord is the fifth chord in the key, which corresponds to A in the key of G.

Is this correct.

Thanks 

Tony 

Hi David! From your vast selection of books, which one do you suggest me to get to complement my studies? I'm currently learning Gary's Blues so I'm on the level 4 of your website. Thanks. 

Hi David! I hope you are doing well! I have a question regarding the metronome: Do you think it's a good idea to practice licks, solos and  rhythm using the metronome but clicking only on the beats 2 and 4 like the jazz musicians does? I used to do that a lot with the guitar... Maybe it's a good idea to do that on the harmonica as well.

David, 

I am going to a local Harp Fest event hosted by Todd Parrott Oct 2-5. I went last year and it was a great experience. One of the areas I was too timid to take advantage of last year was the many opportunities to participate in the Open Jam sessions that occur over the days. It's typically rotating in for 12 or a max of 24 bars. Different styles, different keys throughout the 4 days. continue reading...

When playing in 3rd position, I am assuming that the 1,4, 5 chord principle still applies? For example, when playing in G on an F harp,  will your root note change from 4d(G) to 2d/6b (C) to 6d (D) as you move across the 12 bar structure?  Hence, should you familiarise yourself with all 3 scales (G,C,D) in 3rd position?

Is this correct or am I over complicating things?

Hi David! Recently I'm learning the first level 4 study song called The Strut. There's a lot of bends going on and when I'm playing the tune and recording for self assessment. While playing, because of the excitment at first I think I play the song relatively good but when I hear back the recording... UGH! The bends are really flat. I really try to start my practice routine with practicing bends and getting the notes in tune with the keyboard but playing in real time, usually I go flat on that bend. Any suggestion? I'm starting to get really frustrated! LOL Thanks in advance.

I don't understand the difference between the various homework assignments in the Improving study 1 chapter. Sections 2 - 5 each have a homework assignment that entail applying the various ABC improvising techniques to a 12 bar jam track, using a riff and jam track of our choice. My question is about homework assignment 1 in section 6. This seems to be the same as what was completed for sections 2 - 5. continue reading...

Not able to see video of Hob or Sharon as suggested. Window opens but blurry and does not give "play" option (arrow). Am I doing something wrong? How do I correct? Thx.

LOA 4 has The Strut, but it always takes me back to Bending Lesson 2 Feeling for the Blues. Can't seem to find the lesson material for that song. I know I've seen it before just not remembering how I located it before. 

Thanks in advance,

Ben