Ask Instructor David Barrett

I've noticed that I have a tendency/habit of pushing the harmonics forward with my tongue and jaw. I realized this when I was using the tongue block trainer and then practicing with the harmonica. I'm having a hard time breaking this habit. Any suggestions?

Hi - I received a C Hohner harmonica for Christmas, it included free lessons from this site.  I seem to have failed at the first fence though - the first lesson states 'You will need an A Harmonica'.  So is that the end for me, learning from this site?

Harry

I am beginner Harmonica Player. I started  learning Harmonica primarily out of my immense interest to learn, play and enjoy music in my free time and to see the health benefits it may bring. I have a question regarding Tongue Lowering. When I look at the mirror and attempt Tongue Lowering I noticed that my tongue get pushed back curved and I cannot see the back of the throat. If I extend my tongue outside the mouth then I can see the back of the throat wide and open. I guess this is more genetic. I would like to know whether this will have an impact in playing Harmonica.

I just purchased the Amazing Slow Downer and am just finding my way around on it. I watched the tutorials you made available; helpful.

I want to create and use playlists for quick access in practicing, and have not been able to figure out how to do so. I see in the File Menu the option to Save and Open playlist but have been unable to do either.

Can you direct me to some instruction on this topic?

There may be some reference in the forum but I don't have a clue how to find it; there is no search function that I can see. continue reading...

Hi Dave,

What's the best way to work through level 3 material please?

Do I simply work my way down the list starting with the study song, then solo harmonica study 2, accompaniment playing etc. or should I do a bit of each with my daily practice/study?

Thanks

Saul

Hi David,

You said that our defult way of presenting a note is with SLAP

is this valid also on accompaniment playing whihc i am the band ?

Thank you,

Moran bar 

Merry Christmas to Everyone.

My device is Key C is this a problem using the excersises on the site. I am 75 years old and having a blast trying to learn the Harminica. Takes the edge off Lockdown.

Thank you Tom

Hi David,

I can’t find the link for improvising study number 1

Please assist ?

Also on a different topic I tried many brands of harmonica, the top class ones like Seydel 1847, crossover, rocket and others 

but I am only feel comfortable with the SP20

as a beginner + thinking a head is this a mistake not to try to make myself used to other brands

Thank you, continue reading...

Hello David,

Practicing for around a couple of weeks the bends I managed to get a pretty decent 6 draw and finally realized what you mean by sweet spot. Since I was a member of the "2 draw trouble club" but now I have more control, I tried to place the tongue as if I was emulating my old "problem" and it gave me kind of a bend, at least something to start with. Do you think this approach is a valid technique to find the sweet spot on the 2 draw? 

Thanks! 

hi david

could you tell me if mark overman is still available to answer a question

forgive me if this is not a good question

thanks

tommy

tomhuntgolf@gmail.com