Chorded Style

[stevejay]

Tonight while I was playing around with some fiddle type tunes I made a slight discovery.

 

I found that (at least in the beginning phasesof the tune)it's easier to emphasize the melody over the chords, and let the chords can fall into place later.

 

Too much concern over the chords while working up the arrangement can really bog things down, and if they're too "forced" they probably won't flow well or be easily remembered.

 

Anybody have their own ideas on the subject, ways to break down and learn the chorded anglo style?

 

Steve

 

postscript- I played along with the Brian Peters CD (the chorded arrangements) and already feel my playing has grown. Needed a push in the right direction to get things flowing. I let my left hand wander a bit to find appropriate basses and harmonies, and let the right hand do the same. Since the Anglo has the reputation of being a great improvisational instrument, this has just got to be the right way to explore. The chord choices are not terribly difficult, but he makes wonderful use of what harmonies are available within a simple context. Hymns comes to mind.

 

In summary, I do reccomend the Anglophilia to help somme players get a better sense of how to get a flow going. Jodie Kruskal's CD has to be helpful as well.

 

I'm tired of talking so much. I'd be better to try to upload something pretty soon to the recorded link page soon and let others critique and offer suggestions there.

Edited November 30, 2006 by stevejay

[bellowbelle]

I play English and not Anglo, but please allow my response...

 

I think that's true (what you said) on either type of concertina, IF you are one who wants to include the melody in the concertina arrangement.

 

Me, though....at this point in time, I am still playing a few 'forced' chords since I still haven't quite got everything all burned into my memory -- finger position moves, etc.. I'm getting more familiar with all the possibilites, gradually.

 

Ultimately, I just prefer to sing the melody, and fill in with chords on the concertina (or any instrument, for that matter). I realize, that makes me the odd one, around here! But, that's what I'm trying to do, but with some kind of intrinsic working knowledge of exactly what I wish to play on the concertina. Getting less 'forced.'

 

I don't know why I don't really like to play melody. I've even tried to talk myself into it, since singing got so difficult for me once I'd gotten out of practice -- and when I tried to start singing regularly again, I'd end up sick or with a sore throat. I just can't feel totally satisfied if I don't get to sing, though, as well as play. And, lately, have been able to sing without the old troubles.

 

Anyway, of course, if you are trying to play melody on the concertina, I think that it's more helpful to put melody ahead of chords and let the chord tones fall into place, to not be forced.

 

I suppose it could be argued that I still shouldn't 'force' chords that don't seem like smooth changes on the concertina. But, they are less attached to the melody, for me, either way, than they would be if I were to play the melody instrumentally.

 

Too, I am not/don't seek to be a professional and classical type of player, or even a traditional one. I love both classical and traditional music and love to hear it played well, on the concertina, but as far as what I'll play, I mainly just like to do my own thing.

 

 

edited to make small clarification, two words

Edited November 29, 2006 by bellowbelle

[stevejay]

I play English and not Anglo, but please allow my response...

 

 

Too, I am not/don't seek to be a professional and classical type of player, or even a traditional one. I love both classical and traditional music and love to hear it played well, on the concertina, but as far as what I'll play, I mainly just like to do my own thing.

 

HI

 

In the end it is better to do your own thing.

 

Playing the anglo (30 buttons) makes me realize its limitations & possibilities. What I'd find beneficial is for a group of anglo players (English too) to pick a song, a key, and learn from each others solutions to a chorded type song. I probably need to listen to William Kimber as well, at least give it a try. After I read he avoided the third row, I was put off it a bit. I am looking to increase my use of any note available

 

I purchased the Brian Peters Anglophilia CD. I am going to listen to certain songs on this to get a feel for his attitude in this area. I sometimes learn from "attitude" rather than the specific notes or techniques. I can't explain this better right now

 

Be well, happy holidays

Steve

[Daniel Hersh]

Steve--

 

The info in this post might be helpful to you.

 

Daniel

 

HI

 

In the end it is better to do your own thing.

 

Playing the anglo (30 buttons) makes me realize its limitations & possibilities. What I'd find beneficial is for a group of anglo players (English too) to pick a song, a key, and learn from each others solutions to a chorded type song. I probably need to listen to William Kimber as well, at least give it a try. After I read he avoided the third row, I was put off it a bit. I am looking to increase my use of any note available

 

I purchased the Brian Peters Anglophilia CD. I am going to listen to certain songs on this to get a feel for his attitude in this area. I sometimes learn from "attitude" rather than the specific notes or techniques. I can't explain this better right now

 

Be well, happy holidays

Steve