Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hi David,

I am excitedly dipping my toes into Level 3, and I can now consistently bend and am working on control. You make the point that volume is a harmonica killer, so I am always keeping that in mind (although, sometimes a quick and heavy draw just comes out when I search for a specific bent note).   continue reading...

Hi David,

How can i slap quarter note with tremolo.

With regular toung block we use K,

there is a way to do it with a slap or it just practice.

Thank you,

Moran

Two questions when it comes to reworking my improv piece:  1.  Do I use the same backing track/key as before or should I be using the backing track/key from the exerciese (i.e. "The Split" in F)?  2.  If it turns out that I'm overusing focus notes, do I still try to keep the same licks, or should I replace the licks in those choruses with licks that use new focus notes?

Hello David, such a great site! I’m really enjoying it! Is there a rule concerning holding your nose while bending. I noticed that Filisco Has a nose push technique in the Fox Chase. I noticed I seem to be able to draw Lower notes if I’m not breathing through my nose while bending. Are there any general rules for this? Thanks so much, Alan

Hi David,

I am following level 1 section 2 by the levels of achievement. Now I see under the lessons other exercises than named in the levels of achievement. Why are these lessons not included in the levels of achievement?

Greetings Mariska

Hi David

In LOA 7 I try to download Movement Exercises. That link leads to Bending Study 5. The other links is ok.

Just want to point it out so you can fix it.

Thank you

Hi David

I've just started learning the harmonica and would like to work through the LOA but without doing the tests...at this stage anyway. In Study Level 1 it asks for an "A" harmonica. I only have a "C" harmonica. Can I still work through the program?

Thanks

Craig

Hi, David, hope all is well. In BStudy4 should I finish the exercises first before starting "My Blues" or can I start them at the same time? Just trying to structure this in the most efficient manner possible.

Thanks in advance,

Ace

At the bottom of the page there's a link for a submission, but I don't think there's anything to submit. Am I correct? Thanks.

Hi David

I can play solo studies 1.8 and 2.1 without it being noticeable that I am running out of breath, but if I try to loop them then I run out of breath on bar 2 or 3 the next time around.

I assume the idea is to be able to play these several times in a row?

I am trying to use the diaphram rather than the chest and not playing too loudly but it's a real struggle if I try and loop them. Is this something to worry about and if so is there anything obvious I might be doing wrong?  I find it a real struggle with so much on the inhale.

Thanks

Chris