Ask Instructor David Barrett

HI David,

I've just started studying the harmonica and strangely, I could do two manuevers almost naturally - tongue blocking & pucker bending. I've watched your lessons on tongue block bending and just can't get it to work. If I switch to the pucker, bending on draw notes, though not consistently accurate, is relatively easy. I can't yet overblow on 8, 9 or 10 holes. 

I've tried the Shhh, Kee and Koo, but my tongue just seems to get in the way. Any other hints short of a glossectomy?

Thanks.

prsnrs

Hi David,

Do you have any preferences for a warm up routine? I've been getting involved with some jaw stretches and massage beforehand lately, because some days I just plain suck, very tight jaw or something, you know?

Also, I really enjoyed the latest interview session with yourself posted on the sidebar, really interesting (also loved the recent jimmy reed stuff), I've also now got an idea for the other half's present lol, that disney Up house is great in the background of the interview!

Hello David, 

I'm searching for information on overdraws. My harp ninja states there are overdraws on hole 7 - 8 - 9 - 10. Apparently these can all lower 1 half step from the draw note. I've tried the draw bend technique and nothing comes out (not even sound lol). continue reading...

David

In LOA 4, improvising study number one assignment it says "take a lick and play it to a Jam track as all five course forms seven if you count the three ways for B."

But I count nine course forms plus 2 with fill and one other one with a B sequence.

Which courus forms are needed for the submission?

And just to confirm you want the same A lick and the same B lick for all of them correct?

Sir, These lessons came with the "C" harmonica I purchased !  So why are you telling me that I need an "A" harmonica???

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