Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: Stu
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 11:36 AM

Thankee for all this folks - I really appreciate it. I'll take your advice and check out the publications mentioned.

Cheers!

stigWeard

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 08:25 PM

There isn't a right and a wrong way. That's the beauty of a new instrument coming into an old tradition.

I take it the Walton's Tutorial is "The Irish Bouzouki" by Niall Ó Callanáin and Tommy Walsh, with a CD to go with it - click on "Mandolin and Bouzouki" on this page, and then you scroll down till you find them.

It's got the sort of approach I like - gives you enough to get a feeling of the things you might like to do, and enough basics to let you find out how to do them.

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: GUEST,vl
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 08:15 PM

There is also a CD rom bousouki tutorial at MadForTrad.com whose address is actually irishmusic.com. I have their guitar tutorial by John Doyle which is excellent. You can run a sample lesson at their website. vl

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 01:19 PM

Yeah, it might be inappropriate, but I use it in the same sense as a bass run on the guitar. I am really referring to picking patterns which involve the lower register strings. The point is to play with scales, and then use them in your music, or heading into chord changes. It is a very versatile instrument, but you have to be willing to experiment and develope your sound.

BTW, the Waltons tutorial has a CD available. I would strongly recommend that you get that, as well.

Mick

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: Stu
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 04:38 AM

Cheers for the advice Mick, but what exactly is a bass run? I've hear the phrase but am unsure as to what it means or when I would use it.

stigWeard

Subject: RE: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 11:51 AM

Stiggie, I would suggest that you get the Waltons tutorial. It is not the best tutorial if you are not already a musician, but it is loaded with different styles and folks playing them. Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny, and many others contributed to it. It gives examples of various tunings, various strums, different pick n' strums, etc. I think you will find that this instrument is so new, that there are no rules. I would also recommend Homespun Tapes tutorial with Zan Macleod. He take you through strums, to be sure, but he starts right off with picking patterns as well. Once you get some of the basics down, start experimenting with the unique sound that this instrument delivers. As time goes on, you will develope your own unique style. In that regard, this is similar to the Uilleann Pipes. If 10 different folks play a tune, you will hear 10 different styles. Start with the two resources I have given you. Also visit Han Speek's Irish Bouzouki page.

Mostly, just start playing. Try bass runs. Try the enhanced scales. Play with patterns. Then make 'em fit.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: Bouzouki - pickin' and strummin'
From: Stu
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 09:43 AM

OK,

After the great response from my last thread, I wondered if I could pick your brains once more.

Coming from playing the bodhran, I like to think I have a basic understanding of rythym (even if I can't spell it), but am at a loss when it come to picking and plucking techniques.

I know the patterns, it's just some of the subtly sounds escape me, for instance, do I play all the strings all the time, play bass notes some times etc

Can anyone offer any tips?

Cheers,

stigWeard