Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.

Subject: Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 06:53 AM

I am planning my set list for the seasonal party. I would like to play, among others, "A-Soalin" (PP&M) and "Christmas in the Trenches" (John McCutcheon). However, I cannot play the more intricate finger style of either of these songs. I would appreciate any help with suggestions for simplified ways to play these songs that will sound OK. I can play a bit of flat picking, and "simple folk-style finger picking."

Also, other songs that fit that are not too "Christmas-y," since my audience is international and only somewhat Christian. I am thinking "Hard Times Come Again No More," and some others. TIA.

Saul

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 12:05 PM

Saul - the "Christmas In The Trenches" song versions that I've heard seem to be suited to a fairly straightforward fingerpicking style, which would be (I'm numbering strings from bass to treble as 6 to 1 here):

5 - 3+2 - 1 - 3+2
6 - 3+2 - 1 - 3+2

which gives a solid 4 beats to the bar, a pleasant harpsichord-like riff and an alternating bass. You can always substitute a 4th string for a 5th or 6th, etc. - but keep the alternating 3rd+2nd and 1st riff throughout.

Have a crack at that - it's simple but effective...

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.
From: Arkie
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 04:29 PM

Saul do you know "Hot Buttered Rum", the song written by Tommy Thompson of the Red Clay Ramblers. It should not be offensive to anyone's religious sensibilities as it has more to do with cultural symbols. Also nice tune.

Finding it on youtube is a bit of a trick since some band decided to call themselves Hot Buttered Rum and they seem to get all the hits.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.
From: Arkie
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 04:34 PM

Finally got lucky.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Red Clay Ramblers

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Seasonal (Christmas) Set--Help Needed.
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 07:45 PM

You can a do a crude but serviceable version of A'Soalin" (PP&M)alternating between Em and D to the rhythm of the guitar part on the record. More or less like
Em    D    Em-D-Em
Em    D    Em-D-Em
Em    D    Em-D-Em
Em-Em D-D   Em    Em
Capo to suit your voice. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Phil