Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David, I am very much out of practice with everything, harmonica, computer, every thing. I would like you to listen to this first take on Garys Blues. It needs improvement and I know I can do better but let me know what I need to do to have it be acceptable. I sure want to move on to another song, been stuck here for a loooog time now.

Hank Hamilton

I removed my recording and submitted it as directed (on Oct 30th)

Are holes 1, 2 and 3 tongue blocked out of the left side of the mouth (ex-block holes 2,3 and 4 for hole 1) exclusivley or are their situations where I might tongue block those holes out of the other side.  I am a long time pucker player but am comfortable with splits all the way up the harp and will slap holes 4 and above.  I want to form good habits with tongue blocking right from the start.

Hi David,

While I understand why one plays the F7 on the 1 and 5 chord (as availability of the 7th note is problematic and the F7 has a bluesey sound), I don't understand why you would chose to flatten a note when the scale note is freely available and arguably easier to play e.g B (3rd of the 1 and 7th of the 4 chord)? Especially given that the overiding music principle is to stick to the notes of the chords that the band is playing wherever possible? continue reading...

Hi David,

While I understand why one plays the F7 on the 1 and 5 chord (as availability of the 7th note is problematic and the F7 has a bluesey sound), I don't understand why you would chose to flatten a note when the scale note is freely available and arguably easier to play e.g B (3rd of the 1 and 7th of the 4 chord)? Especially given that the overiding music principle is to stick to the notes of the chords that the band is playing wherever possible? continue reading...

hi David hope your doing well,i was wondrering what is the best way to submit study material  i sent a couple thing a few mounths ago and didnt hear back i know you always respond so it muat be on my end also sometime if i try to submit a song it says file size is too large. my comutor skills are pretty bad so that dosent help  thanks

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...