Posted Thu, 06/26/2014 - 07:42 by David Barrett Admin
Work on a passage until you feel like you have it. Record yourself playing that passage. Listen to the original recording with sheet music in hand (if available) so you have a clear reference of what the passage should sound like. Listen back to the recording of your performance and with a pencil circle any areas on the transcription that you feel don't quite sound right. Listen back numerous times, to both the original and your recording, to pinpoint exactly what needs work.
Posted Wed, 06/25/2014 - 10:45 by David Barrett Admin
Another great value of having a recorder handy is to document your progress when songwriting. After a session of working out ideas for a new instrumental I'll grab my iPhone and use the memo app to do a quick recording of my performance (solo or with a jam track). It's common for many days to go by between writing sessions and it's very easy to forget prior progress. I start a new session listening to my past recording, sometimes even playing along to it. I stop the playback and then get to work. continue reading...
Posted Thu, 06/19/2014 - 07:53 by David Barrett Admin
In this Performance Training study I'll help prepare you for the process of joining an existing blues band or starting your own. No harmonicas are needed for this lesson, but download the PDF to reference as we go through the points in this lesson. This lesson is for all skill level players, but is generally focused towards upper-intermediate and advanced players. continue reading...
Posted Wed, 06/18/2014 - 08:38 by David Barrett Admin
A tight cup is used in preparation for a Wa or Tremolo in acoustic playing, or when holding a bullet mic for amplified playing. Whether you use the Pinch, End Cap or Two Thumbs Up approach taught in your lessons, each have the common element of an airtight cup (I'm not saying you have to squeeze your hands tightly, but your cup results in an airtight cup). A great way to test this is to hold your harmonica in your normal way... close your cup (in preparation for a Wa acoustically or for deep bass amplified)... drop your harmonica into your lap... continue reading...