Barrett's Gig Savers - a review

I just received today the complete set of David Barrett's gig saver guides. Flipping through them, I'm finding them very informative as a newbie in the art. The first three books help with learning harmonica and positional playing theory. They are: Essential Scales for the Diatonic Harmonica, Essential Quick Charts for the Diatonic Harmonica, and Essential Theory for the Diatonic Harmonica. The last three concern gigging and equipment. They are: Harmonica Microphones, First Harmonica Gig, and Harmonica Amplifiers. All of these books are actually booklets, just a few pages each. But the information inside is to the point and concise.

Essential scales is a handy reference to scales as they relate to positional play. There's also an informative section on Lee Oskar tunings. Essential Theory takes that a step further into chordal understanding. Essential Quick Charts is a quick reference to the note spreads of the harp keys along with positional harp selection as it relates to the band's playing key. This booklet also offers Lee Oskar tunings and bend charts.

Although I have some experience in stage performance, the last three books were still helpful. The band I was a member of years ago did not include a harp, and there are very different considerations to note when selecting mics, amps, and understanding etiquette and how to play with others without getting a beer bottle in your eye.

As a beginning harp player, I've found these guides helpful learning more about the world of harp. As such, I'd give them the Judson & Ebert two big toes up and recommend them highly to other newbies like me.

Disclaimer: I have no connection with Bluesharmonica.com, Harmonica Masterclass, Mel Bay Publications, or any other subsidiary of the David Barrett empire thereof. The author of this endorsement has not received any monetary or physical compensation, but if David Barrett would like to offer up $500,000 for such endorsement, I wouldn't turn it down - and would likely guarantee fantastic reviews for all of his products going forward. Subject to limited availability. Actual lease price may vary. Tickets are non-refundable. Batteries not included.