Hello, this is my first post and I hope I’m sticking it in the right place. Anyway, I recorded myself playing my arrangement of two Irish tunes on the guitar and I’d love to get as much feedback as possible. I’ve already gotten some critique of my phrasing and emphasis (“not Irish”) and I would love to have more constructive criticism. Thanks!
http://www.musicinmunich.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-guitar-arrangement-of-some-irish.html
Learn Irish dancing, then see why your version is undancible, making your version incorrect.
Guitar is not a traditional Irish instrument, and few guitarists have been able to make the transition to playing Irish trad music (ITM) successfully. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Many who fail to play ITM well simply state that they have no intention of playing it correctly. That way you can continue to play ITM using jazz, rock, classical, etc. stylings and “make it your own.”
djm
Thanks, that was indeed constructive. I’m learning Irish fiddle and I hope that will slowly give me a feel for the rhythms of various tunes. One thing though: did you like it or not? Thanks again.
Gabe
You’re definitely a talented guitar player - can’t hold that against you. This sounds more like music inspired by Irish music than Irish music itself, and as such comes off sounding almost English.
Guitar’s a tricky beast. I’m trying to do the same thing, attempting to learn a traditional instrument (whistle, on which I’m bloody awful, thank you very much) in order to enhance my guitar playing and make it sound more authentic (even though there is no “authentic” trad guitar). I’m taking more of a flat-pick route, so I’m trying to play like fiddle players. If you wanted to approach a more classical guitar-like path, maybe you’d want to check out the Irish harp side of things (although I know nothing of that side myself).
I agree with the comments above. It is indeed pleasant to listen to but it certainly is not dance music. Not bad, just not traditional.
I’d be interested to know where you drew your inspiration from in order to arrange these tunes; a certain recording or a piece of written music? That could have a lot to do with the sound you ultimately came up with.
Also, and not saying you’ve posted in the wrong place (this is certainly the place to ask a question about traditional music), but there is also a Traditional Stringed Instruments forum that could perhaps offer you some good experienced critiques.
I liked it. It reminded me of a track that Randall Bays played on that “masters of the Irish Guitar” album a couple of years back. The rythm could have been a tad stronger which would have made it a bit more trad feeling, but you’ve got a lovely touch. Guitar as more than just an accompaning instrument is only just blossoming in Irish trad, so there’s not too many people to take influence from, but the tunes were very traditional and the bass chording wasn’t too jazzy or overdone.
My thoughts…
I liked it too, all things considered.
There’s a recording by various artists called “Irish Jigs, Reels, and Hornpipes arranged for Fingerpicking Solo Guitar” or something like that. Your clip reminded me of that, and also (rather unfortunately) of one that includes ocean sounds for relaxation called “Celtic Inspirations” or something equally cheesy (although I haven’t listened to either recording in years).
So I would say (bear in mind I haven’t been a guitar player in years either) I pretty much agree with the above comments. Nicely done, but not quite Irish enough. And the checking out the harp is probably a good idea if you’re fingerpicking. I think that’s what Robin Bullock does.