Ask Instructor David Barrett

I am new on harmonica and I can see some ppl having problem with dry mouth.

However for me sometimes I will have too much water in mouth that the water actually fills in the harmonica and impacts the sound a bit (by partially blocking the holes I guess). Sometime I may need to stop playing and then do a swallow before I feel comfortable to continue.

Is there anyway to improve this? Is it because I am learning tonge block and wrongly stimate the secretion? 

Hey David,

I've noticed that when I practice late at night, especially if I've had a salty meal, my mouth is dry and it's hard to play.

What's your take on using mouth moisterizers like these:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mouth+moistener

I suspect that even the sugar-free ones might leave a sticky residue in the harp.

What say you? 

Thank you!

Dr. Spoons

Hey David,

I've noticed that when I practice late at night, especially if I've had a salty meal, my mouth is dry and it's hard to play.

What's your take on using mouth moisterizers like these:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mouth+moistener

I suspect that even the sugar-free ones might leave a sticky residue in the harp.

What say you? 

Thank you!

Dr. Spoons

Hi David. Can I ask please - when you tongue slap are you aiming to land the slap on the beat or does the chord hit the beat and the slap follow a fraction after?

Thanks

Joel

Dave continue reading...

Hello David,

When playing a throat tremolo (on, say, "Walk with Me"), is it important to try to play the tremolo "notes" in rhythm? 

At the slow speed a triplet feels comfortable, but at the regular speed that might be tough to do.

Thank you!

Dr. Spoons

Hello David,

When playing a throat tremolo (on, say, "Walk with Me"), is it important to try to play the tremolo "notes" in rhythm? 

At the slow speed a triplet feels comfortable, but at the regular speed that might be tough to do.

Thank you!

Dr. Spoons

Hi!

so I have no musical experience whatsoever and decided to buy a harmonica on a whim to keep me occupied learning whist we go probably into a second lockdown. The nice chap at the music store said the best one to learn on is a C. And so I bought a Hohner Marine Band C which he specifically recommended.  i signed up for the trial lessons and you indicate that I need to learn on an A.....did I buy the wrong one?  

David,

    Where in your lessons are you showing and explaining how to do a dip bend?"  Thx, JT

Hi David, 

Can you refresh my memory on where on the site to find recomended amp setting for a Laney Cub 10