Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David

I can play solo studies 1.8 and 2.1 without it being noticeable that I am running out of breath, but if I try to loop them then I run out of breath on bar 2 or 3 the next time around.

I assume the idea is to be able to play these several times in a row?

I am trying to use the diaphram rather than the chest and not playing too loudly but it's a real struggle if I try and loop them. Is this something to worry about and if so is there anything obvious I might be doing wrong?  I find it a real struggle with so much on the inhale.

Thanks

Chris

How many harmonicas do I need to get started? I only have a c right now.

How many harmonicas do I need to get started? I only have a c right now.

I purchased an A harp 2 weeks ago to follow your instructions. Working well. Now the 2 draw is nothing but air. Did I break it? Can it be fixed?  It's a marine band 1896. Should I bring it to a shop to clean it?  Frustrating cuz I'm stuck on Sectin 2 Bass Lines. 

Hi David, 

just noticed I'm moving my jaw while tongue switching, kind of the way Hob was during his classes, however, with a little less noticeable movement. The strange thing is that while using the tongue block trainer and without the harp placed I can perfectly move only the tongue. I don't notice any difference on the sound emitted. Since I realized this, I've trying to avoid the movement, but only when I use my hand to block the jaw I've been successful.

So, the question is: should I be worried and work a way to avoid/correct this or is it just fine?  continue reading...

Cross-posted on Administration Forum.

I've been trying to submit my final course materials in LOA4 but have been unable to. These materials include one mp3 with both study songs and one with all other materials and also the test pdf. Each mp3 is about 7.5MB. Unfortunately, try as I might the system just seems to hang and I get the following message:

****** continue reading...

Hi David,

The Ultimate Blues Jam track is mentioned during your lesson with Sharon Barrett. Where is that track on the website?

Thanks.

PRS

Dave I've really screwed up somewhere ?? I am struggling with octaves ? Can you please direct me to the lesson Ive missed on octaves ? Im just getting tongue tied . Thanks

Hi David, I'm trying since some months to tongue block with a tong position of 11 as you explain in your videos. I can't achieve yet to make it work...but if I block the right side of the mouth "playing" the hole in my left lip boundary it seems to work...and i can play scales up and down.

But I'm worried that doing so perhaps i will have it difficoult for doing other required techniques. 

Could you please tell me if I'm ok like this or not? continue reading...

Hi David,

I am working on study songs "Barret Line" and "Blues Creeping over me" and I was trying to keep a low overall volume. I manage to play regular notes, tremolos and slaps with low volume, though as soon as I try to bend, I cannot produce any sound and I need to inspire harder -- thus with high volume -- to get the (bent) note to play.

Is it possible to bend notes with low volume or is there a "strenght" in the airflow needed to produce the sound? Thanks.