Tag Archives: Celtic

Pigeon On The Gate: Mandolin Lesson

Pigeon On The Gate is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian). Played at a fast tempo, there are some demanding techniques within the tune and is certainly suited to the advanced picker. In the lesson we’ll break down how to approach the tune and work through the techniques you’ll need to focus on.  Go to lesson...

Pigeon On The Gate: Banjo Lesson

Pigeon On The Gate is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian). This banjo arrangement is in standard tuning and features both the single-string & melodic techniques on the 5-string. Played at a fast tempo, there are some demanding passages within the tune and is certainly suited to the advanced picker.

Go to lesson...

Carolan’s Welcome: Mandolin Lesson

Carolan’s Welcome is a traditional air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan. This arrangement on the mandolin is in the key of Am, is a great tremolo study and is well suited to the intermediate picker. All of O’Carolan’s melodies are beautiful and this is no exception. Played at a relatively moderate tempo, in the lesson we’ll break down the melody and technique and work through several exercises to help you get on top of the tremolo. Go to lesson...

Smash The Windows: Banjo Lesson

Smash The Windows is a great traditional Irish jig, played at a lively tempo, in the key of D (standard tuning). This arrangement features both the melodic and single-string techniques and features the 6/8 time signature. Jigs always sound great on the banjo, but there are some challenging techniques and combined with the lively tempo this is well suited to the advanced intermediate picker.

Go to lesson...

Tarbolton Reel: Mandolin Lesson

Tarbolton Reel is a traditional Irish reel, played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em. Using both the dorian & aeolian minor scales, this arrangement features a nice mixture of ornamentation & rhythmic variation. Up to tempo, this is a challenging tune, well suited to the advanced picker. Jump into the lesson & we’ll break down the techniques and variations found within the arrangement.  Go to lesson...

Carolan’s Welcome: Chord Melody Banjo Lesson

Carolan’s Welcome is a traditional air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan. This chord melody arrangement on the 5-string banjo is in the key of Am, played out of standard tuning (gDGBD) and is well suited to the advanced picker. All of O’Carolan’s melodies are beautiful and this is no exception. Played at a relatively moderate tempo, there are some challenging positions to work through, but well worth the effort to get your fingers around the tune.

Go to lesson...

Carolan’s Welcome: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Carolan’s Welcome is a traditional air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan. This fingerstyle arrangement on the guitar is in the key of Am, played out of standard tuning and is well suited to the advanced picker. All of O’Carolan’s melodies are beautiful and this is no exception. Played at a relatively fast tempo, there are some challenging positions to work through, but well worth the effort to get your fingers around the tune. Go to lesson...

Drops Of Brandy: Banjo Lesson

Drops Of Brandy is a traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), in the key of D. Utilising the melodic and single-string techniques, this 5-string banjo arrangement is in standard tuning and is well suited to the advancing intermediate picker. It has a beautiful, driving melody, played at a brisk tempo and will be a great addition to your trad repertoire! 

Go to lesson...

Drops Of Brandy: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Drops Of Brandy is a traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), in the key of D. This fingerstyle arrangement on the guitar is in open D tuning (DADF#AD) and is well suited to the advancing intermediate picker. It has a beautiful, driving melody, played at a brisk tempo and will be a great addition to your trad repertoire! Go to lesson...