Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please

Subject: Bouzouki Book Recommendation Please
From: TIA
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 05:55 PM

Despite the warnings and therapy, I acquired another instrument (Trinity College bouzouki). I know nothing except that it sounded really cool (played by someone who knew how) and felt good in hand.

Can anyone recommend a good tutor book (or other medium)? I've seen a bunch available, but I don't know the first thing. I read music and/or string tablature just fine.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: michaelr
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 11:50 PM

Join the Yahoo! cittern list and ask your question there. There are a number of chord files on that list, and several members have published online and real articles and books. Many members are professional performers and are involved with the wonderful Zoukfest.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 01:20 AM

I use this one. What you will learn about this instrument is that there is no standard for it. Some play it tuned GDAE, which essentially turns it into an Octave Mando. I much prefer GDAD, but many play ADAD. Pat Broaders of Bohola plays CGCG I believe. My recommendation is to get the book I linked to, learn to play the basic chords in GDAD tuning so you can begin to play the rhythm backup. The move on to Zan Macleod's DVD. By the time you are done with these, and using the book above for a chord reference, you will be well on your way. Another thing to do is listen to as many bands using this instrument as possible. The rhythm style is distinct, and fundamental to Irish/Scottish accompaniment.

Good luck and welcome to the Land of the Lost,

Mick

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Stu
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:07 AM

There are a number of online resources available too.

For improvising techniques there's:
this one.

Chord hints for GDAE

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Stu
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:22 AM

Arrgghhh! pressed the wrong button - sorry.

So, to continue where we left off:

GDAE chord hints here.

Or try this for a natty chord finding device.

The Session is a superb Irish traditional music forum and treasure trove of tunes, and very friendly and welcoming.

You may also want to look at Mad for Trad which has a bouzouki tutorial available on CD by Gerry McKee which is very good. It is in GDAE but there are GDAD chords too and is easy to follow whichever tuning you choose.

I personally tune to GDAD because it's better for accompanying Irish tunes but playing tunes becomes tricky for a sausage-fingered chap like me.

stigWeard

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Les from Hull
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 08:33 AM

Here's a useful site

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 10:20 AM

Muchos Gracias to all. I've been monkeying around and visiting websites (thanks for links). Sounds like GDAD will be the way to go for a small-handed rank amateur like me. Also seems to be some disagreement over how to set up the string pairs. Any thoughts on octave or unison (for mostly Irish/Scottish music)?

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 10:29 AM

I am currently set up octave, and must admit to being pleasantly surprised. I have always played unison on this instrument. One of the things that makes an Irish Bouzouki such a nice fit in the jigs/reels world is its punch. It isn't a "trad" instrument in this music. But one of the things that give Irish/Scottish music its feel is the way we play rhythms. They are a very strong part of the mix. I always shied away from the octave stringing, because I was afraid it would lose some of the drive, particularly in the reel sets. 6 months ago I strung up with octave strings, and found that my fears were unfounded. Not only that, but when I am playing melody lines, it is a great sound.

I would say you should experiment with both. Also experiment with the strings you put on the instrument. I used to really love nickel strings on this instrument.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 10:35 AM

Les,
      I love you! The octave mandolin chord charts in your link are immense.

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 11:35 AM

I prefer the unison GDAD for melody. Unisons are mainly used on a shorter scaled instrument, like the TCOM (Trinity College Octave Mandolin). A longer necked instrument like the TC bouzouki often is tuned with the two lower strings in octaves. I have tuned my TCOM in octaves when I was playing only chordal back up and no lead and it sounded good that way.

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Book Recommendations Please
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:20 AM

Since you're on the subject of bouzouki instruction books, may I mention James Fagan's forthcoming bouzouki/cittern/octave mandolin/mandola workshop at the Lewes Arms, Lewes, East Sussex, UK, on Saturday 7th. October? You'll see from the timetable below that he's looking at different tunings. GDAE sounds especially Australian.

In the evening James Fagan and Nancy Kerr perform at the Lewes Arms Folk Club; advance tickets are available at £6 each.

Tootle pip,
Valmai
Lewes Arms Workshop No 68
JAMES FAGAN
BOUZOUKI & CITTERN WORKSHOP
Places £30
Saturday 7th. October 2006 10.45 a.m.- 4.45 p.m.
The Royal Oak, Station Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2DA
            James Fagan is a leading player of the flat-backed bouzouki, with a wide range of stylistic approaches & a love of both instrumental & song-based music. He has given workshops on this versatile instrument internationally. His teaching is personal, challenging & inspiring. His duo with NANCY KERR has attracted many ears & two BBC Folk awards.

Bouzouki, cittern & octave mandolin/mandola players are all welcome at the workshop. We will look at tunings (specialising in GDAD, but GDAE players are encouraged to participate & will expand their boundaries considerably); rhythmic styles, chordal progressions & adding interest to the accompaniment of both tunes & songs, with great emphasis on becoming a better all-round accompanist. Tunes will be taught both by ear & with music.

IN THE EVENING JAMES FAGAN & NANCY KERR PERFORM AT THE LEWES ARMS FOLK CLUB (admission £6)

Provisional Timetable (flexible on the day)

10.45   Registration & coffee; order lunch (refreshments not included)

11.00    Tunings: GDAD and its uses.

Chordal approaches – using the whole instrument, modes and drones, finding more interesting chords.

            Getting 'inside' rhythm – becoming a solid rhythm player.

12.30   Lunch

13.30   More advanced rhythm.

            Approaches to different time signatures.

            Tasty chord progressions with example tunes.

Song accompaniment – one or more participants sing a song and we will look at approaches to its accompaniment.

15.00   Tea/coffee break

15.15   Countermelody.

Arrangement "from scratch" of any tune/tunes known well by participants.

            Open questions.

16.45   Finish



N.B. Booking is recommended as numbers are limited. Music, maps & accommodation lists will be sent in advance.

JAMES FAGAN

BOUZOUKI & CITTERN WORKSHOP

Saturday 7th. October 2006

BOOKING FORM



I would like to attend the workshop on 7th. October 2006. I enclose a cheque for £30.00 for workshop fees (refreshments not included).

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

E-mail address:

Tick for map:   

Tick for accommodation list:

No. of tickets for evening performance (£6 each, please include SAE for these):

Please make cheques payable to Lewes Arms Folk Club and send with this booking form to: Valmai Goodyear, 20, St. John's Terrace,

LEWES, East Sussex BN7 2DL

Tel. [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

www.members.aol.com/lewesarmsfolk