Get ready to learn a great Christmas carol & some awesome theory! The First Noel is a very pretty traditional English carol and this arrangement is in the key of D (standard tuning). While we follow the simple melody, we’ll be adding in a harmony using the 6th intervals. As part of this lesson we’ll look at the D Major scale played in 6th’s, which will allow you to pick up the tune very easily. Go to lesson...
Tag Archives: Key of D
Celtic Backup in D: Guitar Lesson
In this lesson we’ll learn 8 chord variations in Drop D tuning, while we learn several rhythm variations in 4/4 time. We’ll use the traditional Celtic reel, The Merry Blacksmith, as an example during the lesson, but these chord voicing’s can work with any tune in the key of D and the rhythms will work with any reel. Go to lesson...
Merry Blacksmith, The: Mandolin
The Merry Blacksmith is a traditional Irish reel in the Key of D. In this lesson we’ll learn the melody with the addition of some advanced ornamentation including the grace note slur and triplet 16th notes, suiting the advanced intermediate student. The added ornaments certainly spice up the tune, giving it an extra flair. Go to lesson...
Bonaparte’s Retreat: Banjo
Bonaparte’s Retreat is a traditional tune in the key of D Major. This tune has such a great melody and within this arrangement we’ll focus on the the single-string technique plus playing out of the D chord shape while finding our melody notes. The form we’ll play for this version is ABBCBB, but once you know the parts, you may hear it played with a different structure, so be adaptable! Go to lesson...
Bonaparte’s Retreat: Guitar
Bonaparte’s Retreat is a traditional tune in the key of D Major and we’re in Drop D tuning. This tune has such a great melody and within this arrangement we’ll focus on two main techniques, crosspicking & triplets. The form we’ll play for this version is ABBCBB, but once you know the parts, you may hear it played with a different structure, so be adaptable! Go to lesson...
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine: Mandolin
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine is a traditional tune in the key of D Major. There are 2 variations within this arrangement. Firstly, the basic melody, perfect for a beginner picker, but also a great variation for any level, as knowing the basic melody really helps develop your knowledge of the tune, plus sometimes less is more! The Go to lesson...
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine: Banjo
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine is a traditional tune in the key of D Major and we are in standard ‘gDGBD’ tuning, which works really well for this melody using the D major scale. In this arrangement we’ll be using the melodic techniques.
There are 2 variations within this arrangement. Firstly, the basic melody, played using the melodic technique. Go to lesson...
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine: Guitar Lesson
In this guitar lesson we’ll take a look at an Old Time tune, Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in drop D tuning (DADGBE). The arrangement features crosspicking, triplets and other articulation and is suited to the advanced intermediate student. Go to lesson...
Ash Grove, The: Mandolin Lesson (Chord Melody)
In this Chord Melody mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of a traditional waltz, The Ash Grove. The tune is in the key of D Major and the left hand chord positions can be quite a challenge. I would suggest this tune is for the advanced student, as placing the chords amongst the melody certainly makes the arrangement more difficult. Go to lesson...
Angeline The Baker: Melodic Banjo Lesson
In this banjo lesson we’ll take a look at a great arrangement of the traditional tune, Angeline The Baker. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in ‘aDGBD’ tuning, which works really well for this melody using the D major scale. This is a popular session tune, and in this arrangement we’ll be using the melodic techniques. Go to lesson...