Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar

Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar by Frank Kilkelly is a practical guide to developing effective guitar accompaniment for traditional Irish dance music. Written for players who already have a basic knowledge of chords and strumming, it is equally suitable for guitarists coming to Irish traditional music from other styles.

The book explores the developing art of Irish guitar accompaniment and introduces a range of approaches rather than prescribing a single way to play. Frank Kilkelly examines the different elements that combine to create an accompaniment style, including tuning, chord choice, strumming and picking patterns, tone, plectrum technique, attack and rhythm.

Four guitar tunings are covered: standard tuning, dropped D (DADGBE), double dropped D (DADGBD) and DADGAD. Several approaches are demonstrated within the different tunings, using traditional Irish tunes to show how accompaniment techniques can be applied in practice.

Alongside the practical playing material, the book looks at the structure of Irish tunes, choosing suitable equipment, developing a practice routine and accompanying other musicians effectively. It also includes profiles of leading players and an introduction to the development of the guitar as an accompaniment instrument in Irish traditional music.

A detailed theory section covers chord construction, fretboard diagrams, chord inversions and voicings, modal chords and modes, barr chords, slash chords and relative minors. A full listing of the chords used in the book, a transposition chart and a discography for recommended listening provide further reference material.

Key Features:

• Practical guide to accompanying traditional Irish music on guitar
• Written by Frank Kilkelly
• Suitable for guitarists with a basic knowledge of chords and strumming
• Explains the structure of traditional Irish tunes
• Covers strumming and picking patterns
• Explores chord choice, rhythm, tone and accompaniment technique
• Introduces standard tuning
• Introduces dropped D tuning (DADGBE)
• Introduces double dropped D tuning (DADGBD)
• Introduces DADGAD tuning
• Uses traditional Irish tunes as practical accompaniment examples
• Includes guidance on choosing equipment and developing a practice routine
• Explores the history and development of guitar accompaniment in Irish music
• Includes profiles of leading players
• Theory section covering chord construction, voicings, modes, barr chords and more
• Includes fretboard diagrams and a full listing of chords used in the book
• Includes a transposition chart and recommended listening discography
• Includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark

Rather than simply providing a collection of chord patterns, Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar examines the elements that make different accompaniment styles work. By understanding these techniques, developing players can build the skills needed to analyse other styles, make informed musical choices and ultimately develop an accompaniment style of their own.

*** EXCLUSIVE FREE BOOKMARK OFFER ***

Every Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar music book includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark a practical reference tool to help with reading and learning key signatures.

• Premium 350gsm silk card, laminated and printed on both sides
• 210mm 55mm
• All major key signatures with their relative minor keys
• Staff note names for lines and spaces
• Ideal for flautists, students and teachers
• A useful companion for lessons, practice and exam preparation