The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #133392   Message #3026778
Posted By: autoharpbob
08-Nov-10 - 12:05 PM
Thread Name: Sessions - how do you learn?
Subject: RE: Sessions - how do you learn?
Thanks for all the friendly help and advice - and Hi Dáithí, sorry I didn't get your name! I started by saying this wasn't all about the autoharp, and appreciate the general advice I have received here. I am reasonably competent about picking out the key, and usually can tell where a minor chord is needed, and given the key I can usually suggest what chords will be used - though the odd B7 in a C major tune throws me, and a lot of the modal stuff throws me! I deliberately sat quiet in the session as I was just not confident in that situation. I did lead one tune - "Hector the Hero" - which is slow, mostly major and one I confidently play solo - but found that I was pushing to make myself heard on such a quiet instrument and making mistakes I don't usually make. I guess in a session you don't expect guitars to lead - though your very own Django was an obvious exception Dáithí, - and I guess the autoharp needs to be in the rhythm section too. I do intend to persevere in trying to find a place in sessions, or at least in playing with others, so maybe I will not be so shy next time! I will obviosuly need to learn at least the chord progressions for some tunes - I recognised "Soldiers Joy" and that was about it on Saturday! - my usual repertoire is songs and Carter Family stuff, with a few slower Old Time tunes thrown in. And as I said, thanks for making me welcome, and I did enjoy listening as much if not more than playing.!