Lots of people seem to have trouble with the rhythm of the reel. Here's a suggestion that helped me. If you have the opportunity, join a set dancing class and learn to dance a reel set such as The Caledonian or the Plain set. This will help you to FEEL the rhythm and then when you play the reel, imagine you are dancing the steps, you will then be playing from within yourself feeling the pulse as you play. After all, the music was written for dancing. Also you'll probably have great craic and make some new friends. If you can't find a local set dancing class the next time your'e in Miltown for Willy week, (or any festival for that matter) sign up for a beginner's class, but make sure the sets you are learning are Reel sets. Both the above sets have Jig figures as well but with the Caledonian set you get the bonus of a Hornpipe in the last figure. Have fun ... Bernie
There is a little bit more to playing reels than playing fast in 4/4 time. The music doesn't have to be fast (in fact speed often will ruin a tune), you have to get LIFT and you can't find that by analysing the music technically. The music has to come from within, like I said before learn to dance a set and all will be revealed (and there's more to dancing a set than just sticking one foot in front of the other).
I just posted something about this on the swing/not swing thread, if anyone wants to check it out. Seems cumbersome to continue the discussion in 2 places when really it's the same issue.
Reels -- That elusive rhythm
Reels -- That elusive rhythm
Lots of people seem to have trouble with the rhythm of the reel. Here's a suggestion that helped me. If you have the opportunity, join a set dancing class and learn to dance a reel set such as The Caledonian or the Plain set. This will help you to FEEL the rhythm and then when you play the reel, imagine you are dancing the steps, you will then be playing from within yourself feeling the pulse as you play. After all, the music was written for dancing. Also you'll probably have great craic and make some new friends. If you can't find a local set dancing class the next time your'e in Miltown for Willy week, (or any festival for that matter) sign up for a beginner's class, but make sure the sets you are learning are Reel sets. Both the above sets have Jig figures as well but with the Caledonian set you get the bonus of a Hornpipe in the last figure. Have fun ... Bernie
# Posted on October 24th 2002 by Bernie
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
But don't you need fancy duds and hairy chest for that?
# Posted on October 24th 2002 by glauber
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
Ha! Just a foot of each kind will do--left and right! : ^)
Fun idea, Bernie!
# Posted on October 26th 2002 by linda
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
4/4
# Posted on October 26th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
There is a little bit more to playing reels than playing fast in 4/4 time. The music doesn't have to be fast (in fact speed often will ruin a tune), you have to get LIFT and you can't find that by analysing the music technically. The music has to come from within, like I said before learn to dance a set and all will be revealed (and there's more to dancing a set than just sticking one foot in front of the other).
# Posted on October 26th 2002 by Bernie
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
Bernie, do you want to carry this on in the swing or not to swing posting? (I agree with you by the way. I was just being a smart arse)
# Posted on October 26th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Reels -- That elusive rhythm
I just posted something about this on the swing/not swing thread, if anyone wants to check it out. Seems cumbersome to continue the discussion in 2 places when really it's the same issue.
Wendina
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by klezmusic