Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

After months of trial and error, I can sound the bends to some degree on  holes 1-4 and 6 although the tone quality is still poor (in my opinion). I'm just wondering what you are expecting from the study song 'Feelin' for the Blues' in terms of bend quallity. I have a tendency to get things as perfect as possible but I know that isn't the aim of this course.

Thanks,

Mark.

Hello David,

I decided to post follow up queries on Forum so that it will benefit other students/musicians as well :) 

80% of my playing includes genres Pop, Country, Contemporary, Worship and 20% Blues. 

Q - In Second Position, what notes or holes in Harmonica do I need to avoid while I accompany a band playing Pop, Country or Contemporary Music. 

A - You suggested me to avoid Flat 7th of the Key (5 and 9 draws)

I did try this and it worked. But I was missing out on the draw notes :). At time I accidently hit the 5 draw…:D

  continue reading...

Hi David,

I'm working on a new head for my instrumental as part of your "Improvising" lesson series. I'm thinking that I will use the AB/AC Chorus Form.

I have a 2-bar 'A' lick that I like, so I repeat it to cover the opening four I chords. I transpose (sequence) the lick to the IV chord for bars 5 and 6, and repeat the 'A' lick on bars 7 and 8.  continue reading...

Dear David,

I went through your gear recommendations for amplyfied playing, thank you for your extensive reviews! I have decided to go with the Fender Champion 20 (for now), and the Harp Blaster HB 52 mic. from Hohner (for longer). 

However, now I have a question about the appropriate cable to use. One end of course is XLR-female and the other end is 1/4 inch jack. But there are different tips like TS, TRS, TRRS. Could you help me understand which is correct and why? I think the TS is correct, but I am not sure, and I certaily could not explain why... continue reading...

Hi David! I just finished and sent my recording of Gary's Blues and I'm learning Jimmy's Reed. It's OK to practice and record that tune using distorted sound? I don't have a proper space to record acoustic and It's a little bit easier to record using my multi FX unit as an interface. Thanks!

Hi David! I have been listening to your music on Spotify and I love 2 of your songs and I want to learn them some day! One is Blow! Blow! Blow! and the other is Here We Go. Both great!. Are those songs already available on your site or books? If not, maybe add them one day ;) Awesome tunes!

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...