I've heard some guitarists switching over to Irish say that they like Phil Rubenzer's session tune book's section on accompanying Irish music (I don't play guitar, so I don't really know personally whether this is true or not, YMMV) -- go to http://www.c7r.com/sessionbook/etiquette.html, and go to the bottom of the page, e-mail Phil, and ask him to send you a copy next time he does a print -- he collects requests and when he has enough to make it worth printing, he has them printed.
Thanks guys. I have ordered the John Doyle video after watching the preview at the Homespun website (they have a good sale price on it going right now).
I leafed through Chris Smith's "Celtic Backup for all Instrumentalists " (Mel Bay) and it looked good. I'm focusing on banjo melody playing right now, but I might pick up Chris's book sometime in the future.
Wow...there is so much to say to you. I play TRAD on guitar also and it is very rewarding. I go to sessions (follow the ettiquette) and write down the tunes played. I listen to a million CD's, by Videos, and practice constantly.
The Internet is a wealth of information. More than you may know.
I use standard tuning 99% of the time and I am fine with it. Dropped D, and DADGAD are popular, but I prefer standrard tuning as I have never seen a pianist change the tuning on his/her piano at a concert. It is an extra flavor some stringed instruments can enjoy but I am a purist.
I've played guitar in a variety of bands and styles for 30 years, and Irish trad for over ten years now. My advice is to listen to different guitarists for voicings and tricks, remain open-minded re: tunings (Doyle uses drop-D, but many guitarists use standard or DADGAD depending on the tune and the arrangement), and listen to the best musicians of any style so you can make it musical. Being a nice person and staying humble is also critical for a guitarist.
And in case you decide that playing Celtic music is easy, check out Ian Carr's work with Karen Tweed. This is amazing stuff, head and shoulders above most Celtic music performances. Carr is simply one of the world's finest, most original acoustic guitar accompanists, and he constantly blows me completely away with his creative playing. Kornog is also great for really fine Celtic playing. The music of Brittany is very interesting, very melodic, and deceptively simple, and these guys play it in a way you could spend years deconstructing. Wow!
Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
I have been playing the guitar for 34 years. I got interested in playing Irish Trad by taking up the bodhr
# Posted on March 13th 2004 by Morganna
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
Look for John Doyle's video. It's available 'everywhere'.
# Posted on March 14th 2004 by Tusong200
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
I'd tend to agree with that one -- I quite like that video of John's. If you like John's style, it's a must! It's available direct from Homespun -- http://www.homespuntapes.com/staticsite/artistpage416.asp
I've heard some guitarists switching over to Irish say that they like Phil Rubenzer's session tune book's section on accompanying Irish music (I don't play guitar, so I don't really know personally whether this is true or not, YMMV) -- go to http://www.c7r.com/sessionbook/etiquette.html, and go to the bottom of the page, e-mail Phil, and ask him to send you a copy next time he does a print -- he collects requests and when he has enough to make it worth printing, he has them printed.
Have fun!
# Posted on March 14th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
Thanks guys. I have ordered the John Doyle video after watching the preview at the Homespun website (they have a good sale price on it going right now).
# Posted on March 14th 2004 by Morganna
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
I'll add a second vote for both Phil's session tune book and John's video. (good price... I just ordered another copy)
I really enjoyed Ged Foley's backing for the Celtic Fiddle Festival pass through Colorado last week... more practicing
# Posted on March 14th 2004 by mike henry
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
I leafed through Chris Smith's "Celtic Backup for all Instrumentalists " (Mel Bay) and it looked good. I'm focusing on banjo melody playing right now, but I might pick up Chris's book sometime in the future.
Of course, Chris is a regular contibutor here.
# Posted on March 15th 2004 by grego
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
Morgana,
Wow...there is so much to say to you. I play TRAD on guitar also and it is very rewarding. I go to sessions (follow the ettiquette) and write down the tunes played. I listen to a million CD's, by Videos, and practice constantly.
The Internet is a wealth of information. More than you may know.
I use standard tuning 99% of the time and I am fine with it. Dropped D, and DADGAD are popular, but I prefer standrard tuning as I have never seen a pianist change the tuning on his/her piano at a concert. It is an extra flavor some stringed instruments can enjoy but I am a purist.
You'll do fine! :>)
email me if you want to.
Greg
# Posted on March 20th 2004 by Greg
Re: Experienced Guitarist - New To Irish Trad
I've played guitar in a variety of bands and styles for 30 years, and Irish trad for over ten years now. My advice is to listen to different guitarists for voicings and tricks, remain open-minded re: tunings (Doyle uses drop-D, but many guitarists use standard or DADGAD depending on the tune and the arrangement), and listen to the best musicians of any style so you can make it musical. Being a nice person and staying humble is also critical for a guitarist.
And in case you decide that playing Celtic music is easy, check out Ian Carr's work with Karen Tweed. This is amazing stuff, head and shoulders above most Celtic music performances. Carr is simply one of the world's finest, most original acoustic guitar accompanists, and he constantly blows me completely away with his creative playing. Kornog is also great for really fine Celtic playing. The music of Brittany is very interesting, very melodic, and deceptively simple, and these guys play it in a way you could spend years deconstructing. Wow!
# Posted on March 21st 2004 by Audeamus