Erin Go Bragh

During our last session, we looked at several traditional Irish tunes in honor of St. Patrick's Day (see the sidebar for links to chords and lyrics).  It was suggested that we continue the theme throughout March, which suits me fine -- I love this stuff!

I've been quite charmed these last two weeks with a pretty waltz called The Bard of Armagh.  Take a look -- this version is in D, so it's easy for the dulcimers.  I'll show you a spot to throw in a Bm chord that will add a little plaintive depth to the verses -- it's really fun to Embrace the Maudlin with these old ballads.  We can polish up some of the other pieces we tried as well.

Another good song for this month would be Sun's Gonna Shine.  I learned this piece from Susan Boyer Haley at a dulcimer retreat about 5 years ago.  Like so many Depression-era songs, it combines great energy with a peppy chorus and utterly depressing lyrics.

Chorus
Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
March wind's gonna blow my blues all away

My mama told me many years ago
Never to marry no boy that I know
"Won't give you money, nor decent clothes
What will become of you God only knows"

Sun's gonna shine.....

Hard times are comin', so I've been told
Never trade love for an old rich man's gold
Hard times are comin', this much I know
Love ain't gonna help when you're hungry and cold

Sun's gonna shine.....

Low down mean woman, she tried to steal my man
Low down mean woman, she tried to steal my man
Low down mean woman, she tried to steal my man
If I ever catch her, gonna kill her if I can

Sun's gonna shine.....

3 Chords and the Truth

We've joked in sessions that all you need for folk music is "3 chords and the truth," yet it's astonishing how far that will take you.  But which 3 chords?

First, think of a major scale: do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do! Now count the syllables on your fingers as you sing; there are 8 of them.

The 3 chords you usually need are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of the scale.  The first note of the scale indicates what key you're playing in.

For reasons I won't go into now, it's easiest for the dulcimers in our group to play in the key of D, but G is also a handy option if we need to shift the vocal range.

For the key of D, the scale is: D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D.  Therefore, the I, IV, and V chords (chords are indicated with Roman numerals) are D, G, and A.

For the key of G, the scale is: G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G.  Therefore, the I, IV, and V chords are G, C, and D.

Notice that 2 of the chords are shared between the keys.  Therefore, if you know 4 chords, you can sing the truth in two different ranges right off the bat.

Congratulations, you're a folk musician!  Now come join the fun.  :)

Blogs? Do people still do that?

Hey, Folkies!  It's Ashley.  Nathan and I thought it would be helpful to start a blog to aid communication between sessions.  Not everyone is on FaceBook, so this is an easy way to recap a meeting, check out links, leave comments, etc.

The idea is to provide bits of theory, review concepts, take requests, and hopefully plan ahead a bit for upcoming sessions.  We're happy to stay freewheeling and flexible, but we don't want to be left groping for ideas at the last minute!

Tell us what's on your mind in the comments.  No special accounts are necessary.  Now, let me see if I can figure out how to spiff this place up a bit...