Ask Instructor David Barrett

Slaps came easy, but I’m having a difficult time with flutters. I’m sure it is just a mater of time.  To complete Level 2 achievement I submitted Solo study Ex. continue reading...

Dear David, I am determined to achieve this.

But it seems I do salivate profusely.

help, thank you.

David, 

    When we are FIRST learning the TB method and many of the other nice techniqes is it a good idea to be using 2 hands instead of 1 cupping the harmonica? The first thing I do when I start to practice is grab harmonica and cup with both hands The reason I ask is: I think, I bring at least for myself, unnecessary tenseness  to the jaw area making some of the ltechniques more difficult than they have to be. Using one hand on harp for these techniques  might produced a more relax feeling for some. Just a thought. Thx JT

Hello Dave,

I seem to have reached to a point where I have realized how much I don't know so it starts to get really difficult to concebtrate on all the areas I have identified I lack skills in.

My goal is to dedicate at minimum 2 hours every day on practice and playing. I am in fact trying to stea more time but more than 2 becomes difficult especially durint the workdays week.

What I need help and advice with is building a better optimized schedule tat would help me strenghten the techniques that I have already learned + learn some new ones. continue reading...

David,

     I play the Hohner Marineband Deluxe Harmonicas. I believe they have the wood comb(pearwood) which is treated(sealed) to reduce swelling. Would you recommend soaking in a glass of water for cleaning purposes even for a very short time, say less than a minute perhaps, to help with cleaning process or since it is a wood comb, you would NOT put harmonica in water at all? Thx JT

David, I almost decided to not ask this question as I think I know the answer.  Even though I have completed up through Level 5 my issue is slaps. For whatever reason, they seem uncomfortable for me to do. continue reading...

David,   continue reading...

David,

Where in your lessons is their just a simple 12 bar Blues in the key of A? Can't seem to find one to download and put it in Amazing Slow Downer. Would like to practice some of your licks with chorus forms. Thx. JT

David 

 With all these techniques(playing a scale, tongue blocking, bending, octaves,

  continue reading...

I've been getting left sided TMJ pain while doing the agility exercise. Is there something I'm doing wrong that's causing this pain? In you experience, does it get better when the joint gerts used to a different position?

Thanks.

prsnrs