Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David, Happy new year to you and everyone else in the forum.

Just got notification of passing the Level 2 testing, yay! Now on to L3.

I learned to play using the pucker method, and so also I learned to bend using the pucker. I have been tongue blocking since joining this outfit a year and a half ago.

I can barely produce a bend in the TB embouchure. So I have been switching to the pucker when I need a bend. Is there some info geared towards players like me who must start all over and learn to bend using the TB embouchure? continue reading...

bonjour David je viens te souhaiter une excellente annee 2022 que tous se passe bien dans cette annee plein de bonne choses et de reussite en musique Renato cordialement !! 

Hi David!

I recently bought a hohner Marine band, and learned how to bend, I love this instrument!

Before buying that marine band, I was playing on an old harmonica I found in my grandpa's desk drawer (see pictures). It's a 20-hole "hohner gold", the holes are larger than on the marine band and the shape of the comb is very different from what I've seen so far. I have tried bending on it multiple times, but never managed. I wonder if that would even be possible..? continue reading...

Hi, 

l'm new  the Blues harmonica and I've worked through your fundamentals. Excellent, thanks! However, I have a C harmonica... how do I continue when you are working with an A?

Thanks so much!

Danika

David,

It took me a while to shift from pucler to tongue block because I started playing harmonica before I started instruction with you.  In your tongue block study, I forgot about your suggestions for hole 1 tongue blocking.

Currently, I play hole 1 tongue blocking to the left.  Would you recommend that I shift to tonge block to the right of hole one or switch to the pucker on hole 1? 

What is the advantage of tongue blocking to the right of hole 1 OR puckering on hole 1?

Do you reommend tonge blocking to the left on whole 2?

Thanks, Doug

David,

I just found a GREAT deal on a used Fender Champion 20 (I did not see this when I asked you about the Fender Champion 110).  Going to buy it now!!!!

What do you think are the best settings for the Fender Champion 20 with the Hohner Harp Blaster mic? 

Thank you VERY much!  Doug

David,

I see you recommend the Fender Champion 20 as a good starter blues harp amp.  Someone in my area is selling a Fender Champion 110 PR 225. Is this as good as a Fender Champion 20.  Would this be good for Blues Harp with my new Hohner Harp Blaster.

He's selling the amp used for $75.

Thank you, Doug

Hello David. When I first start to practice "Walk With Me" the 3 draw sounds good. But after a few minutes of practice I can't get a sound out of it. I'm keeping the back of my young down and the rest of the draws sound good. 

Hi David,

LOA 6, Accompaniment Playing Study 6 says to play Examples 1.2 and 1.6 to the provided jam track (Used to Be My Baby). Should I use full track for each excercises or playing couple of choruses would be enough? Could I combine two excercises to single track? Not sure if I undersood that task properly. Please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

Hi David,

I live in UAE, where I don't think I can have the TBT delivered to.

Can you please share a 3d blueprint to have it made locally?

Cheers,

Eugene.