TECHNIQUE: CONCERTINA FOR BEGINNERS
Celtic music is often played very fast and with a specific rhythm. But, when played at a more moderate pace, Celtic music elicits a wider range of emotions and exhibits many flavors that are lost when the music is played very fast. If every song is played very fast, every song will sound exactly the same.
Reels are usually 4/4 time and are played with the emphasis on the ONE; ONE 234 ONE 234 ONE 234
Jigs are usually 6/8 time and are played with the emphasis on the ONE and FOUR; ONE 23 FOUR 56 ONE 23 FOUR 56 ONE 23 FOUR 56
Hornpipes are usually 4/4 time and are played with a bouncy emphasis on the ONE and THREE; ONE 2 THREE 4 ONE 2 THREE 4 ONE 2 THREE 4
Most Celtic tunes were written for a specific instrument, such as the harp, flute, whistle, etc. Not every tune plays well on the English concertina. Hornpipes and polkas are especially suited for the English concertina. Jigs and slides usually adapt fairly well. Reels can be problematic on the English concertina, so they are not predominant on this web site.
The audio clips on this web site were played using English concertinas. That does influence the choice of tunes, since reels often tend to play better on the Anglo concertina. But, some reels actually do adapt better on the English concertina. Reels are more common in dance halls and pub sessions. Historically, the English concertina was more popular in parlour sessions where more classical music was played. The advantage of the English concertina is that it plays well in any key on any type of tune that adapts well.
Inisheer Give Me Your Hand The Butterfly (Irish Traditional) Far Away The Waltz Book pg 21 PLAY LIST OF BEGINNER TUNES