I am new to cigar box nation, I learned to play the violin so I can pick out a few tunes, but I've never learned to play chords, Is it possible to play the melody with chords so as the tunes are not just individual string notes. How does one go about learning to play chords and maintain the melody?
Tags:
Hi Paul, welcome to the nation. As for your question, I'm the wrong person to ask as I'm still trying to learn myself, but to keep it simple, yes, it is possible to play melody with the chords as I have heard skilled people do it. As for how to go about learning...slowly seems to be the case for me. An old musician friend once told me, "practice, practice, practice" and I'm sure that's the answer, I just never seem to find the time. :)>
This interests me. It is possible to play a melody with only chords, but not really DOABLE. I think what folks do is combine notes and chords to play a melody. Notes alone are pretty easy. The more chords you play, usually the better sound. I am trying a bit to get better at this. But like Duck says, it take practice and I do not find the time.
Thanks Duck and Uncle John. I guess I am not much of a musician, as I don't know chords at all, how does one know where to insert chords into the melody and what chords to insert? If I would learn a few basic chords could I insert those into the melody? How would I do this?
Paul, first you need to get comfortable doing songs with chords. Lots of how to play info here. Top of the page. Knotlenny's CBG 101 did me the most good at least in our cbg world.
I think the answer is a bit genre and style specific.
But in most styles/genres, a chord sequence might be found in the rythym or supportive role, or a melody may play off of chords, or resolve to a chord at times. Just as you might play an alternating bass line on a chord, or "walk up" to a chord change.
I think the best answer might be to listen. Listen to some relevent pieces in the style you wish to play, and see how chords and melody might fit together. I believe some of my favorite sounding work comes from playing a melody "between" the chords, not playing the melody with chords, if you know what I mean?
As I think what my friend John is trying to say (more or less) is maybe learn a simple three chord strumming song version, then add some melodic notes between the chords. as your skill progresses.
It is an especially interesting question to ask, given that the violin/fiddle, and mandolin are both tuned in fifths, so the notes are in the same place, yet the typical and common styles of playing each is so different.
Much Mandolin playing emphasizes the 2 and 4 in the count with a "chop" chord and alternates between rythym and melody by the way, if you havent already noticed that?
Oh, and sorry it seems I am everywhere here Paul. I guess I am a member of too many groups here and get a notice no matter where you post eh?
Funny thing is the old timers here are asking where the hell has he been? LOL!
Where the hell has Mark Bliss been?
See? I told ya!
John, buddy, you wouldnt believe it if I told ya. that would be a long reply.
Bottom line is life has been VERY good for me for some time, and though "busy as a one armed wallpaper hanger" I have been checking in here as time allows a little more lately.
Seems the new guy Paul Cooper must have some similar interests and has posted questions in every group I am a member of this week. I've tried to make him feel welcome and as always, I've tried to be helpful. Guided him to you, so I cant be doing too bad.
Thanks, guys, If i am understanding right, the chords come first, then the melody is worked in with the chords.
I guess I'll have to learn a few chords and see how and when to place the melody? Thanks!
Thanks Oily,
I guess I'm going to have to learn mandolin chords from a book, then try to incorporate the notes. Yes, I can read music although I haven't done much with chords. Thanks for taking the time to explain this. I think I get the idea. I can't wait to try this because notes are not as pleasant fo listen to as notes plus chords.
Paul, IF you have a mandolin, I suggest you find a website called Mandolin Cafe and find their
2 finger chord charts. Learn the G, C and D chords and find songs that use those 3 chords. Get where you can play them easily and naturally and maybe sound out a simple song.
Started by Steven. Last reply by Mark Bliss Oct 12, 2017. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Anne M. Fridley-Owen. Last reply by Brian Archer Dec 20, 2016. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Paul Cooper. Last reply by Craig Franklin Wolford Oct 13, 2014. 21 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Tristan Chambers. Last reply by Mark Werner Sep 8, 2011. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!