Guitar Picking Tunes: Beautiful Airs and Ballads of the British Isles

The British Isles are a treasure trove of musical traditions, and their folk music is particularly rich in beautiful airs and ballads. These tunes are often played on fiddle, accordion, or pipes, but they can also be exquisitely rendered on the guitar. In this article, we'll explore some of these tunes and the techniques used to play them on guitar.

Guitar Picking Tunes - Beautiful Airs and Ballads of the British Isles

by William Bay

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23085 KB
Print length	:	53 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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What are guitar picking tunes?

Guitar picking tunes are typically instrumental pieces that are played on a fingerstyle guitar. They are often based on traditional folk melodies, but they can also be original compositions. Picking tunes are characterized by their intricate fingerpicking patterns and their use of open strings. They can be played in a variety of styles, from slow and melodic to fast and lively.

The techniques of guitar picking

There are a number of different techniques that can be used to play guitar picking tunes. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Travis picking: This technique is characterized by its alternating bass line and treble melody. It is often used to play folk and bluegrass songs.
• Fingerpicking: This technique involves using the fingers of the right hand to pluck the strings. It is often used to play classical and folk songs.
• Hybrid picking: This technique combines Travis picking and fingerpicking. It is often used to play jazz and blues songs.

Some beautiful airs and ballads of the British Isles

There are many beautiful airs and ballads from the British Isles that can be played on guitar. Here are a few of the most popular:

• The Water is Wide: This traditional Irish ballad is a beautiful love song. It has been recorded by many artists, including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Peter, Paul, and Mary.
• Scarborough Fair: This traditional English ballad is a haunting tale of lost love. It has been recorded by many artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, Judy Collins, and Martin Carthy.
• The Parting Glass: This traditional Scottish ballad is a beautiful song about saying goodbye. It has been recorded by many artists, including The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, and Andy Irvine.

Learning to play guitar picking tunes

Learning to play guitar picking tunes can be a rewarding experience. There are a number of resources available to help you learn, including books, DVDs, and online lessons. You can also find many guitar picking tunes in tablature format, which can help you learn the fingerpicking patterns.

With a little practice, you can learn to play beautiful airs and ballads of the British Isles on the guitar. These tunes are a wonderful addition to any repertoire, and they are sure to please audiences of all ages.

Guitar picking tunes are a beautiful and expressive way to play folk music. They are a challenging but rewarding style to learn, and they can provide years of enjoyment. If you are interested in learning to play guitar picking tunes, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. With a little practice, you can learn to play these beautiful songs and share them with others.

Guitar Picking Tunes - Beautiful Airs and Ballads of the British Isles

by William Bay

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23085 KB
Print length	:	53 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE