Pentatonic Scale for fiddle- why is it so useful for folk players?

The pentatonic scale, consisting of five notes, is used by folk players in many different traditions. In this fiddle lesson I show different ways of working out the scale in different keys, using either the degrees of the major scale, the melody, the intervals or the fingerings. I demonstrate the use of the pentatonic scale with the Irish Polka Britches full of Stitches. I explain the relative minor pentatonic scale, and show its use in the folk tune Over the Sea to Skye. I talk about the minor pentatonic in an Appalachian context, and demonstrate the "Mountain Minor" or "minor modal" tune Lonesome John, and finally play out with the country song Will the Circle be Unbroken, including some pentatonic improvisation.
Below are details of further fiddle resources from Chris Haigh

1. Patreon
2. Books
3. Subscription video courses
4. Website
5. Email to request pdf’s.

1. PATREON
This is a platform where anyone can help support creative artists and get closer access to their work. You can join me on Patreon at three levels, for £4, £10 or £40 per month.



At the lowest level you get access to all my pdf’s and tune collections, plus many exclusive tuition videos not available to the public.
At level 2 you can join also me once a month for a group Zoom chat, and can request a backing track once a month.
Level 3 gives you all the above plus a free lesson once a month, and access to all my backing tracks.

You can find me on Patreon at
https://www.patreon.com/thefiddlechannel

2. BOOKS
I have seven fiddle tuition books published by Schott Music, all widely available from the publisher, from Amazon, and many other outlets. All come with audio tracks illustrating the tunes and exercises.


Exploring Jazz Violin
Beginning Jazz Violin
Discovering Rock Violin
Exploring Folk Fiddle
Exploring Klezmer Fiddle
Hungarian Fiddle Tunes
French Fiddle Tunes

Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle


You can order from
https://bit.ly/31ZWmgm

3. VIDEO SUBSCRIPTION COURSES
I have three video subscription courses
-
MUSIC GURUS- Exploring Jazz Violin. Based on my Schott book
Parts 1 and 2 are each £26 for 26 lessons, covering the first and second halves of the book
Part 1; https://tinyurl.com/49tfk5ef
Part 2 https://tinyurl.com/23atebfc



-MUSIC GURUS- Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book
£35 for 46 lessons
https://tinyurl.com/2ua2kuxh

ACADEMY OF FOLK
Includes a folk fiddle primer course, with introductions to basic techniques and concepts plus an Irish Fiddle Course and Scottish fiddle course. A monthly sub of $9.99 gives access to all lessons
https://academyoffolk.com/

4. WEBSITE
My website is probably the most extensive and detailed summary of fiddle styles on the web, as evidenced by the range of top hits on Google for many fiddle styles.
www.fiddlingaround.co.uk
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TO REQUEST PDF’S, or ask any questions, CONTACT ME AT
haighchris@hotmail.com