Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David

Could you explain how to play a G7 lick(holes 1thru4)for the one chord, then going up to hole #4blow to turn same lick into a C7 lick? This confuses me? The lick may sound higher(???)and rhytum and interval structure are the same(???)but isn't the melody DIFFERENT? What am I missing here? Could you explain alittle in detail? Thx for what you do! John

Hi David,

I think i'm correct, but the licks from this song are staraight 8th's, so I'm trying to use these licks and improvise over The Strut jam track, but cant seem to make it work. Is there a reason for this and is there anything I can do to make these licks work.

Also, whilst writing, as well as loving the blues, boogies and shuffles, i'm into blues rock and rock music. Now on this site I'm learning some brilliant licks which in the main are for the 12 bar blues. How can I use these licks for non 12 bar blues for rock and blues rock improvisation. continue reading...

Hi David, just wondering if you've got any lessons on playing guitar and harp at the same time . I've bought myself a rack as i play fingerstle acoustic blues and want to add harp when im out busking. Could you point me in the right direction please? Thanks very much.

Mark

Hi Dave....When you FIRST put your tongue on the harmonica to get a single note tongue blocking, where should your tongue be placed. I understand not directly over the holes, but maybe just below the holes or little below the holes touching top cover plate or little below the cover plate?  The question is: What is the feeling and LOCATION of your tongue when you FIRST make contact with your harp? Thx, John

Why are you playing on a A harmonica and have your musical notation in C? That doesn't make sense to me. You can't really see what you are doing so you have to play by ear, what's the use of playing on an A harmonica and not use the right musical notation?

struggling so much with 2 draw, then I read a student post to pinch your nose and try it - PERFECT! So now need to do it without pinching my nose (or wear my swimming nose clip)

Hello, I'm a begining harmonica player and I'm having trouble breathing while I play. What happens is I go through a phrase or exercise and I will feel that I'm completely out of breath, even a little tired. I know in the first lessons we are told to close our nasal cavities and breathe through the harmonica and when I'm doing a simple 4 hole chord I have no problem doing that. However, if I try to do a single note scale I will not be able to get enough air and eventually get very tired. What am I doing wrong?

If a student spent on average 30 minutes a day practicing this song what do you believe is a reasonable time frame do you have it in shape for submittal?

I'm having one heck of a Time on the long drawn-out notes in chorus is 3 and 5 , I can't keep the timing and I'm struggling with breath control also

I'll take any advice you have

Hi , i have  been playing (with)  harmonicas for years really badly , now decided to start again and learn to PLAY the harmonica properly , prob is I simply cannot get my mind around tongue blocking and revert to lip pursing ...... I just get frustrated and put the thing down. Do you think I should battle on with tongue blocking and as if by magic it will all click or my habits are deep seated and I would be better to progress with lip pursing ...... thanks 

Hello David,

I bought my very first harmonica (Hohner Special 20 in C key).  I noticed that you recommand A key for beginner lessons.  Did I make the wrong choice for my first harmonica?

Thanks,

FrankV29