Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello,

I've just started learning how to bend and I'm having a few issues with it.

1) Sometimes i bend so much that I start hearing a very strange high pitch sound. What is that? continue reading...

Hi Dave

I've just started the first few videos and am enjoying them. Very clear and well presented - well done.

Got a weird problem with the tongue blocking one though. I'm trying to practise up and down the simple five-note scale do-re-mi-fa-so-fa-mi-re-do. I start off OK, but once I've played about three or four notes I've filled the harmonica with spit and notes stop working. I then have to stop and either bang or suck the spit out. Then I start again and can do it fine, but the problem is I can never get past playing three or four notes in a row. continue reading...

Good afternoon Mr. Barret, first of all I hope you are doing well. Im a very new member in the course and im so exited to learn how to play my blues harp with your lessons, but i have a little problem:i spent all my savings in the Special 20 in the key of C, and in my first lesson you mention that its necessary to have an A harmonica. Does it means that i cant take the lessons unless i get an A harp? or there is something i can do. please help! thanks in advance and have a good day!

I noticed on the tongue blocking PDF there was a plus sign to the right of the numbers denoting the hole to be played. I am confused as to what those numbers mean.

Working on the first study song and when I draw #3 I end up playing a G note. The tuner i downloaded on my phone shows a the note between 3 blow and 2 draw. I'm using a C harmonica until my A harmonica gets delivered.

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