I have played mainly rock before but have fallen in love with Irish and Scottish trad recently and would like to start playing in this style.
I have a good acoustic and a capo. I also have the Lunasa chord books.
My main problem is figuring out which tunings and capo positions to use. Any tips?
I've been playing in DADGBD recently and learning the chord shapes that go with it.
What Lunasa tunes would you recommend that I start with? Any other tips in this regard?
Unfortunately I don't live in Ireland (I'm in Stockholm) so I'm not sure if its possible for me to find a teacher... Are there any other resources which might help me - books, online tutorials etc?
I suspect you already know that Donough Hennessey, the original Lunasa guitarist played in double drop-D as you are. Another example of someone who uses this tuning would be Sean O'Donnell from The Battlefield Band.
Ultimately it doesn't really matter what tuning you use. They all have their pluses and minuses and can all be made to sound great. John Doyle, as recommended above, uses Drop-D tuning.
Seeing as you are in Stockholm you could do a lot worse than getting into the Swedish music scene and learning how to back those tunes. Ultimately it will help develop your ear and give you an idea of chord structures that you could then make use of in adapting to playing Irish and Scottish music. There are certainly similarities between Shetland and Scandinavian music for starters.
The best thing is to watch and learn from other guitar players. I don't know any other guitarists who plays in DADGBD in the Stockholm area, but there are a few really good players who plays in DADGAD tuning (which is a much more common tuning in this music). We have monthly session at the Bishop´s Arms at Bellmangatan but I doubt there will be any more before summer. And there might be descent sessions at O´Donnel¨s (Stora Nygatan, Old Town) on sunday evenings.
And please - although Lunasa is a fantastic band - try to listen to more Irish music, as the Lunasa style is rather special and not at all typical for general ITM.
I live in the Stockholm area. Please feel free to contact me (in English or Swedish)and I might be able to give some help or put you in contact with people who can. Just send me a line via my profile here at thesession.
Help getting started on the guitar
Help getting started on the guitar
Hi all,
I have played mainly rock before but have fallen in love with Irish and Scottish trad recently and would like to start playing in this style.
I have a good acoustic and a capo. I also have the Lunasa chord books.
My main problem is figuring out which tunings and capo positions to use. Any tips?
I've been playing in DADGBD recently and learning the chord shapes that go with it.
What Lunasa tunes would you recommend that I start with? Any other tips in this regard?
Unfortunately I don't live in Ireland (I'm in Stockholm) so I'm not sure if its possible for me to find a teacher... Are there any other resources which might help me - books, online tutorials etc?
Thanks for your help,
Barra.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by Barra Ó Gríobhtha
Re: Help getting started on the guitar
As far as online goes there are lots of great tutorial sites listed on the "Links" page of this website.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by Tasia
Re: Help getting started on the guitar
mixolydian's website at www.intermix.freeUK.com is a great place to get started with the modes and chord patterns and whatnot
then I'd say find a guy who's playing you really like, get some records with him playing, and then try and play like that.
it sounds simple, but it works.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by Nate Ryan
Re: Help getting started on the guitar
John Doyle’s DVD, “Irish Rhythm Guitar.” Learn from the best.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: Help getting started on the guitar
I suspect you already know that Donough Hennessey, the original Lunasa guitarist played in double drop-D as you are. Another example of someone who uses this tuning would be Sean O'Donnell from The Battlefield Band.
Ultimately it doesn't really matter what tuning you use. They all have their pluses and minuses and can all be made to sound great. John Doyle, as recommended above, uses Drop-D tuning.
Seeing as you are in Stockholm you could do a lot worse than getting into the Swedish music scene and learning how to back those tunes. Ultimately it will help develop your ear and give you an idea of chord structures that you could then make use of in adapting to playing Irish and Scottish music. There are certainly similarities between Shetland and Scandinavian music for starters.
Good luck.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Help getting started on the guitar
The best thing is to watch and learn from other guitar players. I don't know any other guitarists who plays in DADGBD in the Stockholm area, but there are a few really good players who plays in DADGAD tuning (which is a much more common tuning in this music). We have monthly session at the Bishop´s Arms at Bellmangatan but I doubt there will be any more before summer. And there might be descent sessions at O´Donnel¨s (Stora Nygatan, Old Town) on sunday evenings.
And please - although Lunasa is a fantastic band - try to listen to more Irish music, as the Lunasa style is rather special and not at all typical for general ITM.
I live in the Stockholm area. Please feel free to contact me (in English or Swedish)and I might be able to give some help or put you in contact with people who can. Just send me a line via my profile here at thesession.
Lars
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by lars