Ask Instructor David Barrett

Good evening,Mr Barrett.

i've just finished the first video for beginners where you strongly suggest to start with an A Harmonica. I have a C Harmonica special 20. Can i practice with this harmonica as well? 

What are some good, easy ways to mark each harmonica with key identifier?

Thanks.

when I block in the low notes I place my tongue to the right of the target . Is there a recommended postion for further up the scale? 

Dear Sir,

I have brought a new HOHNER 'C' hermonica. I have gone throught level one and found that only one C Harmonica Intro Lesson for my 'C' hermonica rest of lessons are for 'A' hermonica.

Could you please mention where i can found more lesson about C hermonica or provide a guideline for C hermonica.

I am a beginner and knows nothing about hermonica.

Regards,

shams

Hi David. I bought the Piedmont Blues set of seven harps as my first harmonica purchase. The challenge I find right off the bat is that there seems to be a few holes that are very difficult to get a note through, such as on the A harp hole 2 on the draw; the B harp hole 2 on the draw; etc. It seems that it is only on draw notes but each harp has the same issue but with different holes. continue reading...

Hi David,

I'd like to start my practice sessions with some scale work, but I'm not certain what the most productive and efficient way of doing that is. Can you recommend a useful routine?

My current thinking is this: 1. arpeggiate the I7, IV7, V7; 2. major pentatonic of the I, IV, and V keys (i.e. what the "Movement Exercises" document calls the G, C, and D major pentatonic); 3. blues scale of the I, IV, V keys.

I suppose another option would be: 1. arpeggiate, major pentatonic, blues scale the I; etc. for the IV and V. continue reading...

Hi, David, Absolutely loving the site, LOA, and the structured lessons. Quick q:In the Tongue Walk Study: Walk With Me Chorus 1 lesson with Hob Bosold, at around 6:35 into the lesson you explain that Hob might want to experiment with playing some folk tunes, and you speak about going to tongue blocking study 1.5, and what we're going to find are folk tunes e.g. amazing grace, america the beautiful, are you sleeping, goodnight etc.  continue reading...

Is it okay to learn on a B Flat Harmonica? 

Steve B

Hello, example 1.2 sequence is as follows?

3+ = down beat of 2nd? 

Thank you.

Hi Dave,

Could I have your advice/opinion on which amp to buy please?

After watching your amp reviews countless times I have narrowed my search to either the Fender Princeton or the Windy City Plus.

Up till now I've been using my blues jnr and despite having swapped tubes and changed the speaker to a Webber alnico with large dust cap etc. it still doesn't cut the mustard for me. I would have put up with it but my son has taken it on for his guitar, once i return it to the original speaker and tubes of course. continue reading...