Bouzouki - Gerry McKee
Learn to play the Irish Bouzouki in this tutorial. Instruction in Irish Bouzouki accompaniment is provided by tutor Gerry McKee of Nomos fame. Video and audio files combine with music notation, text and photos to make the learning process as easy as possible.
Gerry McKee is a true innovator in the tradition of Irish-bouzouki playing. His style is rhythm driven with a strong emphasis on bass runs and substitute chords. Included in Gerry's many teaching invitations are, the Masters Degree in Traditional Music Performance at University College Limerick, and at the Blas Festival held on the same campus.
The tutorial caters for all levels from the absolute beginner to very advanced players. The tutorial also includes a performance piece and an interview with the tutor.
Beginners
In the beginners' section Gerry demonstrates the basics of the bouzouki including chord shapes, rhythmic patterns, and dampening. He then demonstrates these skills in GDAE tuning (with reference to the GDAD tuning system) using easy, slow-paced Jigs and Reels. With the basic chords introduced Gerry then suggests substitute chords that may be used to increase the harmonic colour. The individual parts of the tunes are demonstrated on video at a slow pace and the full tune is subsequently demonstrated at a medium pace so that you can play along.
Features:
- How to Read Music
- 20 Tune Accompaniment Examples
- Full Chord Chart
- Pop-up Video Screens
- GDAE Tuning with GDAD Reference
- Substitute Chords
- Strumming Hand Dampening
- Chord Hand Dampening
- Bass Runs
- Gerry's Rhythmic Patterns
Advanced
The advanced section features jigs and reels that are more harmonically advanced. The inherent subtleties of Gerry's approach, which make his style so strong and fluid become apparent in this section.
Topics Covered:
- 27 Tune Accompaniment Examples
- Passing Chords
- Hammer-ons
- Chromatic Runs
- Delayed Chords
- Droning
- Syncopations
- Advanced Rhythmic Patterns
These tutorials are brought to you by Trad Irish Music in cooperation with Mad For Trad.
