Ask Instructor David Barrett

I have just recently heard you refer to "the ultimate jam". What is this ultimate jam? Thanks.

Hank H.

David,

I really enjoyed your lessons on chorus forms and this has been really helpful in my improvisatation and solo development.

In 2nd position blues soloring and improvisation, are there notes to toally avoid or to make sure NOT to emphasize? 

What are the notes to emphasize in the I, IV and V portions of the 12 bar blues?  

IF you cover these in lessons, feel free to point me there or to any other resources.

Thank you VERY much!  Doug continue reading...

Dear Sir,

I'm a new learner and I don't know how to use the Harmonica. I do not know how to hold it either.

Please tell me how to to use it. I have a G Harmonica. This was what was available.

Please let me know how I can master this with the free lessons.

Happy New Year Dave

I'm new to the harmonica or any instrument for that matter. I just began my 30 day of intro lessons but am enjoying so far.

I think I'm doing pretty fair in TB'ing but I'm at Ex 1.3 and am struggling a little with the shake.

I'm not sure if I am supposed to slide my tongue while moving from the 4 hole to the 5 or not. Anymore advise you can give?

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