Backer Corner with Matt Heaton - Bouzouki #5 - COUNTERMELODIES

[@danydhondt4677]

It's just the musician in me but the moment you start the loop and play along, it's all there already. Even in it's simplest form, these melodies have such an inspiring emotion. Thanks Matt!

[@bernnoseworthy8531]

Hi Matt, thanks for simplifying the lessons to get started on the bouzouki. I just got mine and I'm looking forward to having lots of fun with this instrument. Cheers Bernie

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Hey, Bern - Congrats on the new instrument! Matt just added a bouzouki workshop for Oct 9, just in case you're interested: shannonheatonmusic.com/instruction/

[@DaveDugganITPro]

audio is great here and bouzouki sounds wonderful

[@mccypr]

Thanks! Very helpful.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

so glad to offer these!

[@AdamWilford-b4d]

Wow, what a great video! It demystifies a lot in 13 minutes!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

So, so glad to have Matt offering ideas here. Great that it was useful for you!

[@seanmorris]

Thanks Matt. I'm looking forward to getting to grips with this aspect of bouzouki playing. I really appreciate these bouzouki videos you've put out recently.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Bouzouki grips seems like a great new year's project!

[@alisonk8840]

This video auto played after the VGS today - and although I'm not a bouzouki player, it was wonderful. I played along on flute and it was inspiring to have such beautiful backing! As always, Thanks for sharing!

[@ecarneylaw]

Thank you for posting this.

[@toddley2939]

Thanks so much for this brilliant post Matt. There is so likktle information on bouzouki playing and counter melodies in particular. This is a brilliant first stepping stone for me going from a new bouzouki and no idea as to what to do besides strum basic chords to now start me on my way le a rning. 100s of counter melodies for all the celtic songs i play on mandolin. Now to start years of work...

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

So, so glad this can be helpful. And congrats on your new instrument. Years of work, of course, start with one inspired day of practice. Have fun, Todd!

[@eileencarroll6418]

Loop was very helpful. THANK YOU

[@owenmarshall3664]

That's about as close as one can get to breaking down the dark art of counter melody!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

haha. Yeah, figured 2020 was the year to let the black cat out of the bag...

[@larrypontious5000]

Well, that was 13 minutes well spent. I'm going to take your advice and record a tune to play along with. And then give myself permission to screw up as I figure this out. You've given me a lot of ideas.... Thanks, Matt!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Ah, permission to screw up. Way to go, Larry. You are truly a great teacher for yourself!

[@johnfitzgerald7815]

Excellent Matt - most enjoyable & helpful

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

so great that this can be useful, John!

[@neilbutler9262]

For me timing is everything for things to be relevant and to sink in... I've just recently been working hon ow to play harmonies and variations on a melody (preparing for an upcoming mandolin/flute duet). Your video gave me some very useful (and timely) tools...! Thanks Matt.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

exciting to hear this!! Please do share the mando/flute duo on the FB page, if you feel like it.

[@bronzeladdy53]

Matt. thank you SO much for this. It's the kind of instruction that is so hard to find.. Could I suggest that you put out some looped tune files that we can practice what you're doing with? I can record your loop track but a lot couldn't. Your pencil mics ( what model are they?) are great and I want a 5 course version of your zouk! who made that? (ps do you use those mics for stage or recording or both? )

[@MattHeatonMusicForKids]

Thank you! The bouzouki is a Davy Stuart-he does make a 5 course! The mics are sontronics; I’ve been really happy with them. Usually just plug in onstage. Loops are not a bad idea, but the new book should cover that. Cheers!

[@TheGavranatar]

"strumming a chord to Alec Finn" lol. that man breathed countermelody. and just to be awkward he chose an odd picking pattern (typical Yorkshire man). I just bought your book In Harmony and I'm finding it really useful to learn bouzouki. Would you consider starting a YT channel or patreon with lessons on there for GDAD bouzouki? my main problems are picking the right chords to fit the tune. when i do figure it out i quickly forget it! (i can remember a melody no problem) happy to pay for lessons too

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

YES, Alec breathed counterpoint, indeed. What a monster musician. So glad that In Harmony is helpful for you. I just noted to Matojo as well, that Matt will be doing an accompaniment class (bouzouki... and also guitar later) on October 9th. Info here: shannonheatonmusic.com/instruction/

[@DaveDugganITPro]

how are you getting such perfect audio? It sounds like I am there sitting in front of you - the bouzouki has a beautiful sound for Irish music - ex: Planxty (my favorite)

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Great that it sounds okay for you! That's a really nice bouzouki, and a good player. And two passable pencil condenser mics (Sontronics).

[@DaveDugganITPro]

@@ShannonHeatonMusic thank you - two mics may be why the sound is great - that gives a full "stereo" sound in both ears

[@bernnoseworthy8531]

could you post the name of the tunes so we can look them up and learn them?

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Good one -- it's Rose in the Heather. I'll add to the show notes.