Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

I would like to ask you a question concerning the Solo Harmonica Study 1. I got my first harmonica, which is in key of C, checked out your intro lesson for C harmonica and after one week of playing simple melodies on holes 4-7 using tongue blocking technique I jumped into Solo lesson since this is a style of playing that I'm really interested about. Perhaps it was my mistake as I'm not used to sound of harmonica yet, and I only have C harmonica so I can't apply the sound from your videos directly. continue reading...

dear Mr Barret 

it is about a week that i have subscribed to your great course and i have to say it is amazing and great and i am very thankful to your effort. 

today i bought a G harp for solo practice ( LOA 1 ) . it is a Hohner Blues harp. 

there is no problem except on 1 hole draw that the sound is not clear it seems that the reeds are crashing the palate . i hear a metal small sound . 

but there are times that the 1hole draw is ok. and again the sound appears.  continue reading...

Hi David,

Reference diagram 5.4, I'm not understanding the concept of moving anti-clockwise. Please can you explain.

Kind Regards,

Paul

David,

I have 3 sets of harmonicas that I purchased to try out: Hohner Crossover, Suzuki Promaster, and Seydel Session Steel. continue reading...

Hi, David.  I'm workining on Level 2 of the Levels Of Achievement and specifically execise 1.5 of the Solo Harmonica Study 2. continue reading...

I am putting a list of ‘things to memorize ‘for the harmonica: continue reading...

Hi David! I'm following the LOA program at the moment, but realize that numerous lessons are not covered in it. How you would recommend to go about those lessons that are not part of the program (e.g. blow bending, improvising 8 and over, etc.)? I suppose on an as required and interest basis. Any suggestion?

Good afternoon David,

Regarding assignment 3. Aside from the AAA chorus form should I play a turnaround at the end of each of the chorus forms? As I just jam along to the backing track half stepping to come up with licks and practice those over the track I can't help but add in a turnaround. It feels odd not to. 

Example: AAB = the B is a V IV I turnaround. AAA with fills= the fill on the last A is a turnaround. 

Thanks,

Mark 

Dave,

Thank you for answering my first question.

I am pretty convinced I will start a month to month subscription in August. I am travelling to Africa in early July and will be to busy to commit until I get back. In the meantime I would like to know what you recommend for harps, software, and aids to get me through the beginner level. That way I can get them before I subscribe in August.

Hi David.I'm new to your site. I got a 30 free trial with my new Hohner Crossover. I went to the store and asked for a nice harmonica and asked for a typical key for playing blues. He shoved me a few harmonicas. I loved the Crossover and he really recommended it. But i got one that is in D, and i was really disappointed when i see all your lessons are played on a A harmonica.

Is there a chance to get the play along music in D instead ?Thank you very much

Oddmar