Posted by Andah1andah2 on Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Today was lesson number 5. Let's see. First I played what I had practiced this week. Scales using 2 different shuffles, my boiled cabbage, and my version of the Tennessee Waltz which I plucked out last night and posted.
We talked a bit about the left hand hold on the fiddle. I was gripping too tightly between the thumb and side of the index finger. Also, the way I was cradling it made it difficult to finger the first and second-low positions easily so I got some pointers on that.
Pam showed me how to try Boil dem Cabbage by fingering the A string and droning the E. I'll give it a shot this week. Getting that angle just right so you bow 2 strings together might be second nature eventually but right now it is tough.
We discussed how the "scales" I was fingering for practice is not really the G scale, and how to truly finger the 2 octaves for the G scale. We also went over the D scale and I will practice these from now on. Funny how I just thought to try plucking the Tennessee Waltz yesterday because this allowed me to use the notes of G scale a day before realizing what I was doing by using the C and not the C sharp on the A string. I actually prefer this tune in the Key of A. I'll add this waltz to my regular practice.
Finally, Pam introduced me to the Southwind Waltz which she would like me to figure out. I recorded her playing it on my blackberry and I will pluck it out by ear and practice that too. I think this all will keep me busy during practice this week. Practice is becoming more enjoyable now that it involves more tune learning than just exercises.
I was glad to hear so many folks had a fun time at the Fiddler's Hell. I won't miss out next year. Maybe some folks will even let me into one of them jam sesshuns.
Today my fav fiddle tune is Don Messer's Breakdown.
Stew
bj Says:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @5:32:53 AM
Though, because it's a song it will be played in whatever key the singer needs it in, more often than not the Tennessee Waltz is played in D, at least around here.
Sounds like you're really starting to have fun with this. :-)
Andah1andah2 Says:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @12:09:46 PM
You're right BJ, I thought about it and actually meant to say I prefer it in the key of D. I like the part that goes up to the notes on the E string.
autumnstrings Says:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @4:16:53 PM
I prefer it in D also. :) You seem to really be progressing! Way to go.
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