Father O’Flynn is a lively tune, in the key of D (standard tuning). It’s a traditional Irish jig, and in this lesson we’ll cover how to capture the rhythm and pulse for the 6/8 time signature. This arrangement uses the melodic technique, played at a fast tempo and is well suited to the advanced picker.
Father O’Flynn is a great tune, in the key of D. It’s a jig, and in this lesson we’ll cover how to approach the right-hand to effectively capture the rhythm and pulse for the 6/8 time signature. Played at a fast tempo, this tune is well suited to the advanced picker, and this arrangement incorporates some advanced articulations for the right-hand. Go to lesson...
John Ryan’s Polka is a well known traditional Irish polka, played in the key of D (Drop D Tuning). There are two variations within this arrangement, a basic version of the melody and a variation focused on the deeper tones in the drop d tuning with some interesting syncopation. It’s a fast tune, perfect for an advancing picker, and the basic version is great to get up to speed, while the variation adds a bit of flare to the tune! Go to lesson...
Ragtime Annie is a quick tempo, trad fiddle tune, played in the key of D. It’s a great session tune, and this arrangement features double stops – built to be played with power and at speed, great for a rowdy session! As we break down the tune slowly, it is quite manageable, all with the aim of once memorised, you’ll be able to dial up the tempo as needed! Go to lesson...
Forked Deer is an awesome fiddle tune, played in the key of D (aDGBD). This is the second version on Pickin’ Lessons, and this arrangement mainly features the single-string technique, with a little melodic on the side. It’s well suited to the advanced intermediate picker, working as a great study for the single-string technique.
John Ryan’s Polka is a well known traditional Irish polka, played in the key of D. In this lesson, we’ll cover the basic melody, but as simple as the melody is, we’ll then turn our attention to increasing speed in our playing. We’ll cover several speed exercises and an important strategy to help in your progress. Go to lesson...
Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. While the key can vary depending on the instrument/version, a popular variation is to play in the key of D. This arrangement is in standard tuning (capo 2) and features some great crosspicking passages for the right-hand and plenty of left-hand challenges to build your picking strength! Go to lesson...
The Boys Of Bluehill is a popular traditional Irish hornpipe, in the key of D. In this arrangement, we’ll learn a finger style version that takes the tune and places it in DADGAD tuning, adding embellishments to the melody and mixes it with some really interesting harmony accompaniment. Often played at a fast tempo, I’d suggest this arrangement is suited to the advanced finger picker…but don’t be put off by the tempo; I think it also works beautifully at a slower tempo! Go to lesson...
Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. While the key can vary depending on the instrument/version, a popular variation is to play in the key of D. This arrangement is in standard tuning (capo 2 – 5th string spiked at fret 7) and features both melodic & Scruggs techniques and is definitely a lot of fun on the banjo! Go to lesson...
In part 3 of this introduction to the melodic banjo techniques, we’ll continue to work out of open G tuning, but look at the key of D major. We’ll cover scale positions and exercises for the key, while applying these to another great tune, that is sure to enhance your technique. Go to lesson...