Anglo-chromatic Concertina

[Samantha]

I have just written out in a single line all the notes that my 31 button C/G anglo can play. I've never done this before, although I do have a map of the keyboard, and recommend every anglo player should draw one up (it will look something like this, but may have significant and idiosyncratic differences). In doing this exercise I have discovered that a C/G anglo-chromatic concertina is fully chromatic for a range of two and a half octaves. This is equivalent to the range of most melodic instruments and gives the lie to the notion that this instrument can only be played in the keys of C and G.

Of course, some of the fingerings are tricky, but that is also true of any other melodic instrument. Where I will concede that the C/G anglo is "limited" is when you want to add harmony notes/chords to the melody you are playing: then you do have to get inventive!

Samantha

Edited September 14, 2006 by Samantha

[geoffwright]

The next thing to have a go at is a scale in a single direction.

This is of the most use for fast passages (especially triplets) or groups of 3 or 4 notes where a specific chord is required, thus getting around one of the disadvantages you mentioned.

 

With a button map, the more adventurous could also have a go at semitone scales.

[m3838]

Yes. Another problem is availability of chords 'and' accompanying melody in same direction.

For a chromatic scale in 2/half octaves you don't need 30 buttons.

For fast passages and triplets you mostly need a fast instrument, not same bellow direction.

Actually, having to reverse bellows on triplets or grace note can make a faster triplet or lightening grace note, if your instrument is fast. And the best prove is Cajun style.