For beginners of the English concertina, what advice or suggestions do you have?

[Peaer LiSheng]

Alright, this beginner is myself. My understanding and love for the concertina come from Danny Chapman’s performances. This fascinating instrument is exactly what I've dreamed of. So, I bought an English concertina as a gift for my 25th birthday.

 

However, there are almost no concertina players in our country, and there are no tutorials at all. In the past few days, I have browsed many old posts but haven't found the answers I want. So I really hope to get some advice. For example, what common mistakes should be avoided when learning the EC? What practice methods can help improve more efficiently? What postures can prevent hand fatigue or injury, and so on?

 

Of course, I also have some specific questions:

1. Since the 48-key EC has the same range as the violin, can I directly use violin sheet music to practice the concertina?

2. Is there a big difference in fingerings between playing solo melodies and playing both accompaniment and melodies at the same time?

3. Are there ways to train finger independence? If I want to play chords, do I need to use my pinky?

4. Does the EC have any unique playing techniques?

5. Can you recommend some outstanding players or EC videos/books/websites that have been very helpful to you?

 

I am very much looking forward to you pioneers sharing your experiences with me. Perhaps we can become good friends in the future. Thank you!

 

Peaer

[Gail_Smith]

These are my own opinions as an "intermediate" player. Sure other people will disagree !

 

1. Since the 48-key EC has the same range as the violin, can I directly use violin sheet music to practice the concertina? YES. This is a great source of material.  But obviously slurs and bowing patterns either can't be done or have to be approximated on the bellows.  You can also  annoy  violin players by being able to play high notes in tune right from the start  ! 

2. Is there a big difference in fingerings between playing solo melodies and playing both accompaniment and melodies at the same time?  Personally (and i know others disagree) I wouldnt get too worried about which finger goes where to begin with because versality is the key to chords and fast note sequences later on.

3. Are there ways to train finger independence? If I want to play chords, do I need to use my pinky?  Not to begin with. But occasionally later on. You can choose whether to  practice scales and chords right from the beginning or just to have fun playing tunes.

4. Does the EC have any unique playing techniques?  er..... only thing I can think of is that its often useful to keep a finger somewhere where you know it is, so that you dont get "lost" on the keys and start playing, for example, a fifth away from where you want to be. Tutor books (see 5) will include other recommendations. 

5. Can you recommend some outstanding players or EC videos/books/websites that have been very helpful to you? Lots recommended on the teaching and learning tab of the forum

 

 

[seanc]

A lot to unpack there. 

 

My suggestion would be to treat it like a violin at first. That is a good frame or reference. 

 

Practice scales, get some muscles,  muscle memory, familiarilty, fluidity and speed.

Go Up and down the scales in 2-3 octaves. Start with C and get to C#, then C down all of the flts as you get away from C, you will have to start to think harder. And also you will start to see where and when you select an Ab over G#, etc.. 

 

Work through those single notes, then ascending/ decending 3rds-7ths, etc..  

 

As for chords and accompanyment..  I am NOT there yet. BUT, So far in my experience, full chords with a melody on top if it does not work. In terms of fingers, voicings and separation. In most cases, I have found that a double stop is far more effective and pleasing. And that means quite a bit of trial and error, subbing and flubbing.. So far, again for me.. double stops primarily  and trying to use pedal tones seem most pleasing. 

 

 

[gcoover]

Ni hao Peaer!

 

Welcome to CNET - always a good source of information, discussion, and opinion.

 

As with any instrument, a lot depends on what kind of music you want to play. The Frank Butler book, available online as a free download, is an excellent place to start.

 

Chords can be initially thought of as little triangles, with one simple finger change going from major to minor. And yes, it's ok to hold down two buttons at the same time with your index finger. Most players usually play the interval known as the third below for harmonies.

 

Listen to Alistair Anderson and Simon Thoumire for wonderfully fast and intricate and sensitive melody playing (mostly), but also check out the accompaniment playing of singers like Louis Killen, Tony Rose, and others. Rob Harbron (from the band Leveret) is doing some amazing things with harmonies using the bellows to great effect. 

 

I totally agree with the previous posts - practice running up and down the keyboard in various keys so your fingers get used to the notes being split between the two sides. Your index and middle fingers will be doing most of the work, and your ring finger will usually pick up sharps and flats. The little finger is used by Simon Thoumire, but most use it to help steady the instrument.

 

Irish tunes are also good for learning the keys of D and G. And then try some simple harmonies on the same side as the main note, and if that doesn't work for you a good harmony note is probably on the other side. When it comes to harmonies there are no wrong notes - just notes you like and notes you don't like!

 

The International Concertina Association (ICA) has a large library of music for English Concertina on their website, and they send out additional music with their regular newsletters.

 

There are also lots of good videos out there of great players - Danny Chapman is a phenomenal player and a great inspiration to us all!

 

Gary

[Roger Hare]

The Frank Butler tutorial is available at:

 

http://www.concertina.com/butler/butler-the-concertina-tutor.pdf

 

There is also the Simplicity tutor available here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hk32ndn8cnvy1mu/Simplicity Tutor - The English Concertina.pdf

 

 

[Peaer LiSheng]

Thank you very much for your kind reply, it has been very helpful to me. I think I have a general idea of how to practice EC, and I will listen to performances by excellent players.

 

I hope that in a few years, I will become a great performer and come back here to share my experiences. Haha, I feel very fortunate to have encountered CNET. Thanks again!

[John Wild]

On 6/26/2024 at 7:51 PM, Peaer LiSheng said:

Since the 48-key EC has the same range as the violin, can I directly use violin sheet music to practice the concertina?

 

From your first question, I would understand that you can read music.

In that case, you can play all kinds of music from the written music.

There are tune books for the violin/fiddle, Northumbrian pipes, pipes in general, whistle, flute, harp and others.

 

Take your pick for the tunes and the type of music, irrespective of the instrument a particular book might have been originally written for.

Edited June 29 by John Wild
typing corrections

[Ken_Coles]

Don't wait a few years to come back! Visit and post whenever you have a question, experience, or story. Enjoy the journey.

 

Ken

[seanc]

With chords specifically..

 

A good exercise is to take a chord.. let’s say C maj, and walk it up. Ceg, egc, ceg, up and down.  Then add 7th and b7.. do 1-3-5-7, 7-1-3-5, mix it up 7-1-3-7 etc..

 

This will do quite a bit as far as the fingers. But, you will quickly find that some voicings will just sound better. On your instrument. You may quickly find that a Bb7 on yours sounds a lot better as 7-3-1. And C7 as 3-5-7 etc… 

 

[Karen P]

I am only in my 7th month learning to play the English concertina.  I started with Frank Butler’s tutorial and found it very good and easy to follow.  I then signed up for the online course on The Folk Music Academy; where Rob Harbron teaches the Beginner Concertina course.  This forum is also great for finding lots of information and tunes that can be downloaded.  Enjoy learning your new concertina!