Tip of the Day

Helpful tips from head instructor David Barrett for students of BluesHarmonica.com

Why Nerdy White Guys Who Love the Blues Are Obsessed With a Wisconsin Chair Factory

Posted Mon, 08/11/2014 - 09:04 by David Barrett Admin

I'm now back from SPAH (spah.org) and it was another great trip. They'll be in Denver next year, so I hope you can make it... I enjoy spending time with everyone there.

Big Al Blake shared this article with me and I though you would enjoy it.

Why Nerdy White Guys Who Love the Blues Are Obsessed With a Wisconsin Chair Factory
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/why-nerdy-white-guys-who-love-t...

When in Doubt, Shake

Posted Tue, 08/05/2014 - 07:47 by David Barrett Admin

The 4 draw shake (alternating between 4 draw and 5 draw) is a sound that universally works anywhere in the blues. So, when in doubt of what to play, shake!

Do you REALLY know what your tongue is doing?

Posted Mon, 08/04/2014 - 09:22 by David Barrett Admin

Last week I spoke of how the middle and back of your tongue is to be lowered to achieve good tone. If you've been reading the forum posts on BluesHarmonica.com you've probably noticed a theme... when students are having issues with notes sounding airy, flat, not at all or squealing... my answer to them is that their tongue is located in a place in their mouth that's offending that reed (commonly trying to bend the note). The fix is to make sure the middle and back of their tongue is lowered. continue reading...

How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain

Posted Fri, 08/01/2014 - 07:47 by David Barrett Admin

Thanks to Kathy Sherman for sharing this animated video.

How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain
http://youtu.be/R0JKCYZ8hng

Yawn for Good Tone

Posted Thu, 07/31/2014 - 08:58 by David Barrett Admin

Close your mouth and yawn. This will give you the sensation of what it feels like when a professional harmonica player with big tone plays the harmonica. The jaw is slightly lowered... middle and back of the tongue is lowered to the floor of the mouth... throat is slightly ballooned open... and soft palate is raised to close off the nasal cavity. continue reading...