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Irish music has a rich and varied history, and it has evolved over time to include different genres and styles. From traditional folk songs to modern pop hits, Irish music has something for everyone. One of the most distinctive features of Irish music is its use of instruments like the fiddle, bodhran, and uilleann pipes. These instruments add a unique flavor to the music, and they are often played in a way that is distinct to Irish music.
But for guitar players, it can be challenging to capture the sound and spirit of Irish music. This is where the guitar capo comes in. By using a capo, you can easily change the key of a song, allowing you to play it in a way that suits your vocal range or the sound you're trying to achieve.
For example, let's say you want to play the song "The Irish Rover" on guitar. The song uses a lot of open chords and has a distinctive rhythm that can be difficult to replicate in different keys. But by using a capo, you can easily change the key of the song to fit your voice or the sound you're trying to achieve.
Another great example of a song that sounds great with a capo is "The Fields of Athenry". This is a classic Irish ballad that tells the story of a man who has been sentenced to transportation to Australia for stealing corn during the Great Famine. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Paddy Reilly and Dropkick Murphys.
Of course, using a capo isn't the only way to play Irish music on guitar. There are many other techniques and styles that you can use to capture the sound and spirit of the music. For example, you can use fingerpicking to create a delicate and intricate sound that is well-suited to ballads and slow airs.
Another important aspect of playing Irish music on guitar is the use of ornaments and embellishments. These are small flourishes and decorations that are added to the melody to create interest and variation. Some common ornaments in Irish music include slides, cuts, and rolls. These can be tricky to master, but they add a lot of depth and texture to the music.
In addition to playing Irish music on guitar, St. Patrick's Day is also a great time to listen to and appreciate Irish music in all its forms. From traditional ballads to modern pop hits, Irish music has a rich and varied history that is well worth exploring.
Some classic Irish songs that are perfect for St. Patrick's Day include "Danny Boy", "Wild Rover", and "Whiskey in the Jar". These songs have been covered by many artists over the years, and they continue to be popular today.
The song "The Parting Glass" is another traditional Irish song that is often sung at the end of a gathering. The lyrics are bittersweet, reflecting on the memories shared with friends and loved ones and the sadness of saying goodbye. When played on guitar with a capo, the song takes on a haunting quality that perfectly captures the emotions behind the lyrics. Here are two different versions of the song, both great in their own right!
St. Patrick's Day is a great time to discover new Irish music. There are many talented musicians and bands that are keeping the tradition of Irish music alive, and they are creating new and exciting music that is well worth exploring.
It’s safe to say that some of the most influential musicians in the 1960s came from Britain. The list sure backs up that fact: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Peter Green, Richie Blackmore, John Lennon, George Harrison, and I can go on and on and on...
Notice, though, that I said musicians, not just guitarists. There are many heroes to be found for every instrument, particularly with our focus for this piece: the drums.
I’m not sure what the origin of this particular instrument was (though we may find out later), but maybe it was a crafty guitarist who thought: “You know what’s better than six strings? Double! Twelve strings!”
This story likely isn’t true, but the 12-string guitar is valuable in any guitarist's arsenal. With its thick, bright, and lush sound, the instrument has been a staple in most styles of music since its inception.
From being found in the wash to being left on counters and desks to being counted with change out of a guitarist’s pocket, guitar picks are the definitive proof that the holder undoubtedly plays the instrument.
But as omnipresent as they are, how many guitarists have pondered the history of the pick itself? Who are they? What were they doing?
