Blackberry Blossom Bluegrass Guitar Lesson - History, Rhythm, Melody, and Variations!

[@alucard1835]

Love that you included the history lesson at the beginning.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Always. I love that abt his content

[@thomascanny5931]

Please do more of these fiddle tune videos! Extremely well done all around.

[@175epi]

This is an excellent lesson, and if this is what "Fiddle Tune Favorites" is going to look like, I'm already a fan. I also dig Strum Machine in a major way, and recommend it highly to anyone looking for realisitic, easy-to-use backing tracks. Check it out!

[@BlackHoleForge]

Half the reason I like bluegrass, is because it tells a story. The other half is the story of the song itself. Lore and music go hand-in-hand, thank you for adding it to your repertoire. And seriously thank you for breaking it down.

[@peterjosephpalmer9971]

Marcel, you're awesome. Never change.

[@karendurant4981]

You're helping people find their own way dude, seriously thank you

[@iused2BAfireman]

Thanks for this. I've been a subscriber for a couple of years but I'm less than a beginner so I've skipped many of your videos. I will not skip this one. You've presented the song in a way so that even a hacker like me can eventually get it. Thanks!

[@JustinHollandFitness]

Literally best bluegrass teacher on the internet!

[@sneakydeaky8445]

Wanted to say I found your channel a couple of months ago after wanting to learn flatpicking and it's been a godsend! You provide a ton of information and education while always coming across as humble and easy going. My ears have slowly warmed to bluegrass over the past 6 months or so and now I love it. To be honest though I cannot get bar 2 of the opening A part up to speed to save my life! For some reason I am becoming confident with the rest of the song, but that opening feels tough on my right hand. My pick tends to get stuck during the up down strokes but only on those opening two bars. It also feels like I'm playing instead of all groups of four notes it becomes 5 notes then 3 notes, then back to four notes on the last bar. Doesn't sound right. I hope I'm making sense. But practicing this has improved my general speed with a few scales and licks, which is great!

[@jvz773]

I’ve played guitar for a while, but am just starting to venture into bluegrass. I just stumbled onto your channel yesterday. Your videos are just the kind of thing I need and was hoping to find. I really love & appreciate what you’re sharing with the world, and the smart, laid-back style & subtle sense of humor with which you present it. I’m now subscribed. Keep up the great work. All the best 👍

[@richtfingers]

And another well constructed and professionally produced lesson from the charming Marcel. You’re a clever lad, Marcel, thanks for the great tuition!

[@autumnoak1]

This is incredible. I’ve never heard the story behind this before. Excellent! Thanks Marcel

[@jcsmith9518]

What a complete overview of this tune. I was able to learn it from your presentation and will enjoy trying all the varied turn arounds and endings. Thanks again "big bad billy" M.

[@MichaelZechel]

Great lesson great tune. I love slowing it down to Ashokan Farewell speed.

[@keithgoldberg2298]

Absolutely fantastic!! With all the history and variations...just great. Also, you do a great job explaining how you think about the different sections of a tune. Keep up the good work!

[@salder70]

Awesome lesson. I am just learning to play guitar and bluegrass is my passion. Thank you for sharing.

[@davestagner]

This is maybe the best tune analysis video I've seen. Bravo! Do more!

[@wilsmith6786]

This lesson is great, I wish you would do more fiddle tune videos like these

[@Antimatter245]

these videos are amazing man. would love to see one of these deep dives into Billy in the Lowground and its history/motifs/etc

[@shennessful]

Thanks for your many superb lessons AND the Strum Machine connection.

[@youtubemakesmedothis7280]

I've never played bluegrass but I watched this straight thru and will have go grab a guitar and try some of this stuff.

[@briandavis5982]

Fantastic, I recommend you to anyone who asks me how they can learn bluegrass or flatpicking. I love the history behind these tunes and your method of breaking down rhythm and melodies. You da man

[@isaacbeen2087]

Lots of old recordings use a major VI instead of a minor (Foggy Mtn. Breakdown, for instance)... it's shame nobody does it anymore. Great video!

[@NFowler44]

I would love to see some Irish tunes in here like silver spear!

[@jakemf1]

Love the intermediate tunes and the picking and positions that are played

[@DavidHaile_profile]

I love the format and the speed of the lesson. It pauses on sections just long enough that I know what is happen, but not too long to be tedious to watch. I wonder what benefits I would get from joining this channel.

[@agalligani]

BBB is one of the first fiddle tunes I learned. Your video rocks. I didn't expect to learn that much about the tune but it was interesting to see how it evolved. I had always assumed it was some old traditional English tune. Also all those ending variations were neat. Oddly the B part I learned from the original video on KZbin yeas ago used the "funk bass" style in the E minor and a very different ending on the B flat seventh chord. Not really for beginners but there you have it. I'll try to shoot you a video. I have a Scott Fore version which is very different of course in one of his books but you probably have the book so I'll just leave it at that. If you don't have it it's well worth the money.

[@ross5066]

I'd love to get some more of these videos. I don't really have a circle for bluegrass where I am and I find that these videos are helping me train my ear. I can see where I got things right (or right enough) and fill in the gaps I'm missing. Plus the history lesson is great.

[@douglesw]

I clocked this at 130 bpm! That's a tear

[@salliepolak1595]

This is a really great video man. Thanks a bunch! So concise. I normally jump through lessons to parts I want but I actually eagerly watched this entire video. Loved the structure of the lesson, your clear explanations, everything. Great stuff.

[@connorwillett4160]

"Fiddle Tune Favorites" -- done in the order of your baller shirt

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

You know, I know the guy who sells those shirts... lessonswithmarcel.com/product/fiddle-tune-tee/

[@jpcannon9329]

@@LessonsWithMarcel schibby!

[@pluckerpick]

I already signed up for Strum Machine today (;-)

[@Skydog3]

Man, you’re a great teacher here. I’ve not watched any other videos of yours, but just subscribed. Cheers!

[@jeloeb]

Thanks for the tip on Strum Machine. I know it’s sponsored but still, seems like just what I need to figure out how the play the B part of Clinch Mountain Backstep. Edit: Tried the strum machine today. Very nice. I frequently use a metronome when practicing but this will be so much better. Got that "half measure" in Clinch Mtn figured out. I think I'll set it up for some simple changes for cross picking exercises. Will be nice to have the chords behind the beat for a change. So thanks Marcel and thanks Luke!!

[@alan4sure]

There are free backing tracks on youtube for many fiddle tunes.

[@ScottRandall31]

Marcel, this is awesome! Easy to follow and great info.

[@gam1471]

Thanks for the variations, Marcel. I've been playing this one for years - it's good to get some fresh licks into my playing!

[@robertbohuk3066]

I love how your voice tells me I’ll get the hang of it eventually, even though your words scare and confuse me. I’m so grateful for the work you do. THE Professor of Bluegrass ®️

[@marnel7787]

I got the Strum machine after watching one of Marcel's videos. It's Great! It gives me that much needed practice of playing with another person. I also got the guitar pro 7 after veiwing another video. Also a great product.

[@apocalypse9347]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your gift. Peace and blessings

[@donds5161]

You're such a great teacher and player. I enjoy your vids

[@GailBreaknews]

Wonderful lesson

[@jasperpearson4624]

this is one of the best lessons ive found on youtube, thanks so much for what you do

[@dumberband7361]

You sir are the King

[@patfarrell1832]

Mark O'connor's version is beeeeast. Great for picking up awesome language. Hope to see more vids like this! Great stuff

[@harrisonkane8584]

Love this tune! Great stuff, Marcel!

[@ethanschoof7989]

8:18 Whole playthrough

[@billieg826]

Nice Job ! Solid Lesson !

[@miktempleSax]

This channel is great because it's like Jazz theory class - but applied to Bluegrass!

[@Ivan-hj1kd]

Great job Marcel, thanks brother.

[@moonoggin]

So glad to find you!! The history is fun

[@glennabbott2606]

Really impressive.

[@tommitri]

yeah! one more reason to love strummachine!!!

[@clstrat837]

Dude just found your channel! Subscribed and thank you

[@noahklotz9205]

this is great shit and i like your gentle and friendly demeanor. thank you!

[@JonathanBoies]

thanks

[@knuckle47]

Hey Marcel, you got me...subbed!! Looking forward to your great videos

[@dinosqautch6941]

Wow super underrated channel man. Subscribed and turned on the notifications.. thanks

[@brookegarrettsings]

Thanks so much, really helpful!

[@jayatkins1014]

Brilliant presentation. Going through some variations as well is appreciated

[@billsteinke9980]

Thank you Sir ! Can I have some more...

[@alangordon348]

Thanks well done.

[@dirtworshiper2800]

Thanks for all your lessons. I have a question. I can’t seem to transition back and forth from rhythm to lead/ solo and make it sound good. Any chan e you could post a vid on what I’m missing. Thanks for your time. I’ll keep watching your livestreams.

[@nirantem]

Great 👍 thank you so much.

[@wallacefoster1119]

Excellent,

[@witto666]

I can easily call this a "The Lesson" .... thank you very much

[@elijas_piano]

Thanks so much! This has helped tremendously with my playing!

[@genemadsen8141]

Love the Lesson Marcel!

[@jeloeb]

I have a request - not a fiddle tune but a weird one to take a break on - Midnight Moonlight. Popular song - but playing a break over G and Bb (or A and C) is a little odd. Maybe you can fit it in one day. Thanks!!

[@johnsee7269]

Damn, that's a brutal introduction to this lesson! Love it! Learned every note. My new favorite! Thanks! 🤟 FYI Bought the tab! A real pleasure to support your brilliant exposition!

[@mgibby63mg]

Wow, the strum machine is awesome.. I'm signing up !

[@oneman49instruments]

Great stuff man! Thanks for sharing!

[@alexhage8092]

Really appreciate you for all the content

[@carloshoffgen9283]

Next one could be about Whiskey Before Breakfast or Big Sciota

[@dakotablackburn3054]

Thanks for your hard work man. These vids are great

[@benfukuzawa1192]

Love this content right here!

[@dustintaylor9686]

So he did red hair boy, and this one, his shirt has all the greats on it, did he not make the other videos? I made the assumption he was

[@jameswinterbottom8430]

These are great

[@acousticguitar130]

Great job!!

[@mbrenneman0411]

This is the kind of content i subscribed for. Thank you for this!

[@mbrenneman0411]

Also convenient cause ive been working on blackberry blossom a little bit, but it may have taken a backseat to st annes reel

[@xycechipmusic]

Is that shirt going to be available again any time soon? Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@bluegrasspointofview5191]

Thanks for doing this!

[@richtfingers]

This is great, thanks Marcel.

[@jpcannon9329]

I need that shirt! Dopeeee

[@windelbouwman2512]

That's my repertoire on his shirt! Impossible!

[@malcolmbrewer]

More than Awesome

[@RickMcCargar]

Awesome, thanks!

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Awesome!

[@danielc_guitar]

Man I love these videos. Thanks.

[@joshuamccune9368]

why do you use your pinky on the demonstration at the beginning but use your ring finger in the lesson? What finger should i be using or is that kind of more a preference thing?

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

Ha! Pinky is a bad habit, you should use your ring finger. If you have tiny hands like me you might prefer the pinky but you should resist the urge!

[@carsonacosta3170]

You are so awesome not to make us pay for this. Thanks!

[@shaneryanmatheny8421]

Hey brother ive been picking 18 years trying to get into the industry . I'd love to do some picking im from west by god Virginia

[@Appalachian_Hippie]

Could we get a breakdown of Manzanita?

[@sweepsr]

Very well done! Subscribed!

[@monsterzero1965]

Excellent And THANK YOU for actually PLAYING something before you talk!! Do you know how many videos are up with 30 minutes of blah blah and I NEVER hear a note come from the guitar??

[@kamarienedwards1757]

5:58

[@sandra.wonderfulduetbull6469]

Super, that was great.🎶🇺🇸🥀🌹🙏

[@shawnnelson1863]

I have the old version that gave out . The Tony rice on which is deferent. I been with it for a year. Can I use Tony’s.

[@DarkJediOverlord]

What tempo are you playing at? I've got tab from somewhere that indicated I should play this tune at 120 bpm but I estimate you're about double that.

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

You're not wrong! Bluegrass musicians frequently write and talk about tempos on the half. So 120 for bluegrass musicians is 240 for everyone else. It can be confusing for sure. It just gives us more manageable numbers to talk about. Because we're all accustom to this convention we frequently leave out the cut time marking that should appear at the beginning of notation.

[@tcoudi]

i can play bb, tonys version, but not this fast. i guess it will take couple more years of practice. but on the possitive side i almost there grier arkansas traveller you posted.

[@jeloeb]

A couple more years? I guess it depends how much you practice. If you play this song for 15 min a day, I bet you can get up to 85 bpm before you know it.

[@tcoudi]

@@jeloeb I am playingg BB from tony for half a year and the top speed is just not clean enough yet. i practicing a lot, but its mpw year and soething after decade hiatus. from mz experince, its not totaly gradual, but it comes in jumps, when you are confident enough

[@jeloeb]

tcoudi ah. I did not understand your comment. I thought you meant it would take a couple of years to play BB like In this lesson at 85 bpm.

[@tcoudi]

@@jeloeb it feels like its more in head than in hands, on good, lets say midly intoxated i feel i am much more relaxed and faster, but it will just munch more hours before i will be consistent. my approach is kinda, if you cannot be comfortable and in control playing it, its not good enough.

[@unrealgiraffe69]

Yea…but where did you get that sick shirt?!

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

That's me shameless wearing my own merch! lessonswithmarcel.com/product/fiddle-tune-tee/

[@unrealgiraffe69]

@@LessonsWithMarcel no shame my man! Awesome shirt and awesome content!

[@steveb9325]

Love this post! Thank you! Q:what year and model is your guitar?