Absolute Beginner

[Sean M]

Hey everybody,

 

I am completely new to the anglo concertina. My friend lent me a 20-key C/G anglo concertina that I'm trying to learn how to play for Irish trad. Unfortunately, even though my friend owns it he doesn't know how to play it. I have musical experience with a bunch of other instruments. I started on guitar but started getting into Irish trad and learned how to play tin whistle and to an extent the Irish flute. That being said I don't have many questions with music in general, just specifically in terms of the concertina.

 

I've been practicing for a few weeks now and can play a few tunes at a slow pace (Blackthorn Stick, Merrily Kiss the Quaker, etc.) but I wanted to find something out before I pick up bad habits. The concertina has two different ways to play most notes, pushing and drawing. I've read that the one you want to use usually depends on the tune and that cross-row playing is usually better in the long run than just playing in the C row or G row. If this is true can someone go into more detail as to what to look for when picking the push or draw key? Is it better to try and alternate push/draw each note or is it better to try and play a few pushes in a row followed by a few draws in a row? Is it better to try and find keys that are next to each other or is it better to alternate hands?

 

I'm just wondering if there are any good tips to follow that will help my process of speeding up the tunes. Thanks.

[Ransom]

You're worrying too much. Quit trying to make it so hard, and just play. =)

 

You'll have a few more push/draw options on a 30-key. But even then... if you're making music, who's to argue?

 

When faced with a choice of alternate fingerings, I suggest the following heuristic: try them both, and see which one you like better.

[Woody]

You're worrying too much. Quit trying to make it so hard, and just play. =)

 

You'll have a few more push/draw options on a 30-key. But even then... if you're making music, who's to argue?

 

When faced with a choice of alternate fingerings, I suggest the following heuristic: try them both, and see which one you like better.

Excellent advice.

[Ken_Coles]

This is a huge topic and one thread won't cover it all. Several philosophies abound: Just find the notes where you need them; use one system; use more than one system. I've had very accomplished players of Irish style teach me in workshops who subscribed to one or another of these approaches. There are several widely used fingering systems, and folks who do things their own way and still do very well.

 

I would suggest one thing. You probably know from you other instruments that it is easiest to do things one, consistent way when beginning. More important (to my mind) than what fingering system you use is to find one comfortable way to do things and use it consistently for a while. You'll know when you're ready to explore other ways - even I did and I'm a dunce when it comes to teaching myself.

 

Welcome to the madness.

 

Ken

[michael sam wild]

I'd get the tutor book and CD by Mick Bramich pub. Mmally Music or book and DVD by Frank Edgely and DVD by John Williams that should give you a good start for Irish music,.. then go on a few workshops as soon as possible.

 

Everyone will tell you something different but play in G across the rows and in D ( ll that's missing on the 20 button is C# )

 

C isn't too common in ITM but a C/G concertina is best. Then a good 30 button as soon as you can afford one.

[Sean M]

Where does one find out about local workshops?

 

 

I'd get the tutor book and CD by Mick Bramich pub. Mmally Music or book and DVD by Frank Edgely and DVD by John Williams that should give you a good start for Irish music,.. then go on a few workshops as soon as possible.

 

Everyone will tell you something different but play in G across the rows and in D ( ll that's missing on the 20 button is C# )

 

C isn't too common in ITM but a C/G concertina is best. Then a good 30 button as soon as you can afford one.