Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David. The song-title description "blues" seems to have come along well before standardization of what we now consider mostly 3-chord 12- or 8-bar "blues" structures. I recently picked up a set of charts and performance suggestions for "Bawdy Blues," put together by stringed instrument ace Fred Sokowlow. The tunes, e.g., Clara Smith's "Ain't Got Nobody To Grind My Coffee" and Bo Carter's "She's Your Cook But She Burns My Bread Sometimes" are a lot of fun (tho' not necessarily for one's set-list for a childrens' birthday party or certain church socials). continue reading...

Greetings, is there a lesson on deeps?

Thanks.

Hi David

Ok, single note is a vertical line with a solid ball on top. Got that. What does it mean when that symbol is upside down? And what does it mean when the ball is not solid, only outlined? And what does a vertical line spanning the five horizontal lines mean? And what does it mean when you have joined two of the notes (vertical line with a ball on top) with a thick horizontal line?

Sorry, but. I cant find answers to these questions in your Notation Key Or anywhere elseon the site.

Cheers

Jamie

Hi David

Complete novice here so sorry for dumb questions.

Gotta say I'm finding the Level 1 study pretty challenging to navigate. I'm starting with Prep Study but just finding it all a bit non-sequential. Okay, enough complaining...

Also a bit confused about which harmonica to use for these lessons. In your notation key PDF you say all your notation is written as if I was playing a C harmonica. But in Blues Harmonica Fundamentals you say I will need an A harmonica for "this study" (not sure what 'this study' means here).

Could you clarify please.

  continue reading...

Does one of the lessons deal with the rolled r rolls like Horton does? Specifically, can they only be done with the pursing embouchure?

Where do I find  Ex. 1.2 and 1.4 referred to in Lesson 1 please

Hi David,

I play guitar and harmonica in a rack. I've ordered a new rack that uses magnets to hold the harmonica in place as opposed to the more traditional style of rack. My Seydel and Lee Oskar harmonicas have cover plates that stick to magnets. I'm interested in trying out a Hohner Crossover. I don't live near a shop that sells Hohner crossovers. Could you see if a fridge magnet sticks to the cover plates of your Hohner crossovers? I've heard that some cover plate materials don't stick to magnets. continue reading...

Hello David I wanted to tell you that your lessons are a real pleasure I am super happy to be here with all of you and I do not regret to pay for all that you do, boom boom in my heart as said so well sir charles trenet french singer !! thank you i'm a fan of here

Hi David - I thought I had come across a lesson on how to play Help Me on your site a month or so ago - but I can't find it now.  Did I dream it, or is there one?  I love that song.

David, I've been away from playing for a while, have completed L0A2, but before progressing forward I am spending a little time here. So much great content, I want to enjoy the Journey rather than focus on moving on.

I've spent a little time in Accompaniment Study 2: Root Notes and playing this lesson. Helping me get a better base understanding of Root Notes and I know this will benefit me to spend more time here.  continue reading...