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October 2009 Free Flatpicking Lesson
from
Flatpicking Guitar Magazine
"Eighth of January" (twin)
Arranged by Mickey Abraham
Hello and welcome once again to
FGM’s free lesson portion of our monthly newsletter. This month’s FGM
issue is focused around flatpicking harmonies with two guitars. I have
decided to keep within this month’s theme and offer a little taste of
how great it sounds when two guitars play a great fiddle tune in
harmony. Learn this harmony with your picking buddy, show up to a jam,
and let her rip!
Some books or teachers will
explain how harmony works and even add the idea of playing the melody “a
third higher.” For the most part, the best harmony is created by
moving up a third, but it is important to note that creating a harmony
line is not an exact science. If one were to play straight thirds
there may be harmonies that sound wrong. In most cases, the musician
must alter notes to fit the chord progression. This is especially true
when trying to harmonize a melody that has blue notes or chromatic
passages.
I have done just this
to create the harmony for the Eighth of January. I began a third higher
and then started altering notes to obtain a smooth sound to the harmony
line. One may find it interesting that some notes are repeated in the
harmony line to make the line sound smooth. I feel this harmony helps
portray the upbeat and joyous quality that this wonderful melody
naturally conveys.
Playing music with
other people is a very important aspect of learning to play guitar and
harmony playing is one of the best ways to feel like a team. Even more
than the usual rhythm/lead teammate situation, the harmony/melody
teammates suggest a different mastery. Both players must stick to the
arrangement to make it work and this shows musical dedication!
Playing harmonies in
fiddle tunes is something that has been going on for a long time. Back
in the days of Bill Monroe it was fairly common to hear twin fiddles,
but way less common to hear twin guitars (probably because the
guitarist never took any leads…haha). Let’s try to change this one
fiddle tune at a time!
I hope you find working
on this harmony arrangement of the Eight of January rewarding. If you
have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this e-lesson, past
e-lessons, or ideas that you would like to see featured hear, just drop
me a line at
[email protected] .
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