I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS WEBSITE
My name is Alex Govier, a professional musician on accordion, piano and organ for over 50 years.
On this website I am sharing stuff to
- Improve your technique
- Help you get to know your instrument better
- Play more easily and more confidently
- Try new accordion bass methods
- Integrate bass and treble sounds in different ways
- Learn how to make better music
- Gain popularity with general music listeners and not just fellow accordionists.
And yes, ALL CONTENT ON THIS WEBSITE IS FREE.
Simply because I would like more general appreciation of this wonderful instrument.
Because by playing a little more thoughtfully we can reach new audiences and get more recognition.
Find when there is new stuff on this website by joining our new Facebook Community
Here you can also
- interact with this website on Facebook
- Ask questions
- Request more detail on an accordion subject
- Suggest a new subject
- Tell us your own ideas and more.
The Accordionwise Friends link
You can find my personal playing sites on
ACCORDIONWISE.COM
The Accordion Player's Guide
THIS WEBSITE NOW INCLUDES OVER 200 ORIGINAL FREE PLAYING HINTS & OVER 390 DEMO VIDEOS ON 10 VIDEO PAGES
IT IS ALWAYS FREE AND YOU ARE ALREADY HERE TO ENJOY IT!
THE LINKS BELOW ARE TO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PAGES FURTHER DOWN ON THIS PAGE, IN CASE YOU CANNOT WORK OUT WHERE TO GO FIRST
| BECOMING A GREAT PLAYER | IMPROVING YOUR SOUND |
| PLAY BETTER ACCORDION BASS | BASS NOTE TRICKS |
| PLAY EXTRA CHORDS | RIGHT HAND IDEAS |
| CHROMATIC ACCORDION | EASY MAINTENANCE |
| WHATS NEW BLOG |
THE LINKS BELOW ARE TO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ALMOST 300 VIDEO PAGES
IN CASE YOU CANNOT WORK OUT WHERE TO GO FIRST
| VIDEO DEMOS 1 | VIDEO DEMOS 2 |
| VIDEO DEMOS 3 | VIDEO DEMOS 4 |
| VIDEO DEMOS 5 | VIDEO DEMOS 6 |
| VIDEO DEMOS 7 | VIDEO DEMOS 8 |
Note: Only basic Essential cookies are used on this website More info
Play better sounding Accordion Music with more than 100 playing hints for Accordionists
Accordionwise is all about your accordion playing
You might regard it as being subtitled:
"Things about playing music that your music teachers never had the time to tell you, even though they subconsciously knew most of it"
You do not need to have lightning fingers of steel to make better music on your accordion. Just thinking about the sounds you are making will work wonders!
More people will love to listen to your music with just a little more thought from you about what you are playing and why.
Play the way great arrangers have made their orchestral music appeal to millions.
The accordion is a musical instrument, so methods that make other music sound "right" will work accordionwise too!
The accordion is NOT an exception to the rule of playing in order to communicate with your audience. If you play to tell a story to your listeners this attitude will transform the way your music is appreciated.
But yes, you may need extra knowledge and techniques along the way so that is here too.
On this free website accordionists can expand your playing ideas with new and established tips, tricks, techniques and musical principles to sound even better and keep your interest in playing fresh.
Either remind yourself of what you already know or have seen others do or even find out stuff you did not realise you could achieve on the accordion.
Suggestions on this site are based on a theory that what works for other instruments may well also sound pretty good on accordion, and are written from the perspective of a long time professional keyboard player and accordionist.
Also diagrams and explanations to help you know your accordion even better.
SPECIAL NOTE HOW DO WE EXPLAIN STUFF?
THIS IS THE WEBSITE CONTENTS PAGE
Regard this as the first page of your book about improving your playing
Accordion players can now browse through here and find that accordion playing tip you were looking for on these easy direct links. You knew it was here somewhere, right?
PLEASE NOTE ALL 100 PLUS ITEMS FOUND HERE
ARE FREE TO ACCESS RIGHT NOW
THIS IS AN OPEN TOTALLY FREE WEBSITE
Use this page to look for individual items
or proceed page by page in the Menu
and read it all in logical sequence.
zxzx
On the Page: BECOME A GREAT PLAYER
This page is pointing up new ways you can use your accordion to play more effectively and make more of an impact on your audience
The accordion can do stuff most instruments cannot. Here is a reminder to make use of these in your performances.
The importance of playing with Attention
You will sound so much better if you pay attention to the way you are playing. Even though you think you do not need to now
Create more engaging music by using the musical expression your acordion is capable of. And that means happy listeners
MAKE THESE INSTANT IMPROVEMENTS TO YOUR MUSIC
You probably think you always need the music. You do not. Here is how to start!
The importance of Developing independence
The hands should be able to work together but independently too. This website will show you how.
Why you should Really use the Sounds on your Accordion
Proud of your accordion? Then Really get to use its facilities
GETTING AROUND YOUR INSTRUMENT
Not just the standard advice and why the usual advice probably will not work
GOING BEYOND THE OBVIOUS USES OF YOUR REGISTERS
The style you are playing in will affect your interpretation of the sound you are listening to. This can be put to use.
Getting new sounds by mixing sounds and styles
WHO WOULD NOT WANT AN EXCITING NEW ACCORDION?
Use the one you have got in this way, and you have virtually got a new free instrument
WHY AN ACCORDION IS BETTER THAN THE MOST EXPENSIVE AUTOMATIC PLAYING KEYBOARD
With the accordion you have a freedom of movement that a keyboard player does not have, despite all the clever flashing lights
THE ACCORDION HAS MANY POSSIBILITIES, IF YOU USE MORE OF THEM YOUR MUSIC MAKING BECOMES SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING!
Twentyone ways you can put more contrast and variety into your music. Yes 21 READ THESE SLOWLY
HOW YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE THIS INFO BEST
There is a lot of info here that will not yet affect the tunes you already play. But you can use them right now like this
CONTACT ME ABOUT YOUR PARTICULAR INTERESTS
I may have not covered your interest adequately or clearly. You can let me know how I can improve by contacting me here.
On the Page IMPROVED SOUNDS
The Items you will find on this page are shown below
Easy Ways to Improve Your Sound start here
The very thing that helped you to start playing the accordion in the first place could be your biggest disadvantage for producing good sounding music.
What is the heart of the accordion and what happens when you access it
The heart is for breathing and for adding emotion, so what is it?
Basic Bellows Technique and Usage
The conventional way to make sure of a smooth reliable sound
A crafty alternative method to extend the range of the bellows
How to operate the bellows easier with less fatigue
Yes, it can be tiring playing the accordion, here is how to make it physically easier moving in both directions.
How to Add musical expression in the right hand
Some pointers as to what is going to need to be brought out in your melody
How Varying the phrasing should be done to enliven your performance
Including what can prevent your being able to phrase at all!
Sometimes a phrase can be only two notes
This often happens in Mozart, but this is another well-known piece with a lot of two note phrasing.
How to treat slow smooth tunes
So short and simple an explanation you will miss it if you blink, but it is very easy and works if you try it
And How to vary your slow smooth accompaniments
The use of right hand chords for excfeptional smoothness and variety
How to sound better with less detail
Sometimes when you relax, so can your listener
More fluid playing carries the music along
And here is a way to make your listeners go with the flow
How to lead into the next bar successfully
Pruning the bass pattern helps the music grow!
A bass pattern that repeats even though you have already got the idea of what it is trying to tell you is very annoying
Balance between treble and bass
The balance between treble and bass is not just achieved with the bass and treble registers
A special lighter accordion sound
Showing you how to even achieve a more pianolike or even glockenspiel like effect
A variation on the normal technique for achieving musical expression
This reverse technique can be very effective, thoughtful and pognant
Pros and cons of playing bass chords only without bass note rows
A still light alternative to playing bass chords only
This can have the advantages of both ways of playing
Putting the Emphasis on the left hand
There are occasions when you really want to hear what the left hand is doing
A very novel method to add zing to one particular note in a bar or tune
Practice to Play Fast and Reliably
What everybody wants to know
The kind of practice that gets you to play the whole piece well
PROBABLY I SHOULD HAVE EXPLAINED THIS FIRST it is so important!
Sound in control of your music
If you tend to feel less and less confident after playing the first line of music, this is for you
PLAY BETTER ACCORDION BASS
See what is on that page by clicking above or on the list below
Does Your accordion bass sound too loud against the melody?
A check list for what is probably the number one accordionist's fear.
Vary your bass line to keep the interest going
Leave that automatic bass behind to add interest to your music
Make a mixture of note values hand to hand
Allowing the more interesting bits to shine through
Sometimes quite simple adjustments can prevent a stodgy arrangement
The classic singers knew how to create a pleasing flowing melody line and you can copy them
95 Ways to avoid bass monotony
Read these slowly - NINETY FIVE thoughts on ways you can vary your bass on the accordion! And keep coming back because these can increase weekly!
Attractive note and chord bass patterns in waltz time
Presented in both diagrams and music examples for readers and non readers
Some different ways you can divide buttons up in four to the bar, shown for non-readers and readers
Sound smoother with 4 bar bass accompaniment patterns
A simple formula to make a smoother more professional sound by escaping the sound of a bass pattern just repeating 32 times in a song!
Whether in bass or treble NEVER break the Rule of Three
This is an actual well known easy waltz arrangement, written to show how some of these principles might be applied
On the Page BASS NOTE TRICKS
Here we not only start to get a bit crazy, but provide a lot of diagrams of how to get around to differently spaced notes on the bass buttons. And some musical examples lettered for non readers.
Transform your effectiveness by extending your bass button playing
A diagram showing how to get most of the note intervals on stradella bass buttons
What is the purpose of the Bass buttons
Some thoughts on how they fit into and support the music
Some times when it is better to leave spaces in the music
Using melodic scale-like passages to link different chords and more
Faster notes that will keep the music flowing
Points in the music effective for breaking off playing bass
Playing the Melody on the bass
Taking over the tune on bass is dangerous but can allow you to play amazing accompaniments in the treble!
Using bass notes without chords
This can allow impossible chords for the bass to be played on the right hand and much more
Outlining chords with bass notes
You can use notes to outline the chords or simulate a bass line without the chord buttons used
Shadowing the tune in thirds or sixths, with a musical example to try
Make Bigger chords by combining with the right hand
The amazing sound of playing a different chord in the right hand
Simulate full accordion arpeggios
Use both hands to simulate chords and notes moving from bass to treble, with written music examples
An accordion waltz with both hands
This is a written musical example of sharing the waltz accompaniment between left and right hands
The strange effects of Listening with the brain
Try out this strange example of playing and listening to arpeggiated chords that are not there! With musical diagrams
Seem to play an incredibly fast bass chromatic run
This is an illusion which will amaze your listeners and convince them you are a superspeed genius
Play an impossible bass arpeggio
An amazing musical illusion that can be done with your most used bass buttons, including diagrams
A minor bass arpeggio around the minor chord
A diagram to help you play this minor bass arpeggio
The usual accordion boogie bass
This is the music for the generally accepted accordion boogie style bass, though it is not strictly accurate
Using those notes in this pattern
This selection from the faux boogie bass form up in this musical example
True boogie bass with alternative fingerings
One of the fingerings will give you a chanbce to try out your fifth finger if you do not usually use it
Other uses for mini bass arpeggios
Some more usggestions for using these
Bass chords in different inversions
In some instances this can actually be done with sufficient knowledge
What the bass chords actually consist of
Because of the use of the reeds in the accordion manufacture they are modified
Extra possibilities because of the allocation of the notes in the seventh chords
Play diminished chords on 60 or 80 bass
Good news for owners of five bass row accordions
Diagram of what your accordion is really playing
The real versions of the bass chords
Melodic snippets in chord changes
The shifting notes inside the chords will sometimes produce interesting results, but not the same in all keys
It is a different feeling when you are not using the note buttons so try these
Finding the note one tone away
This is a diagram of how to easily locate the next note in two different directionsl
This diagram will also start to show you the chromatic scale
More about the chromatic scale
Chromatic and almost chromatic diagram
A variation on the full chromatic run, a nice diagram with notation examples
Chromatic moves for better harmony
How moving down one semitone at a time can lead and support the harmony
Chords and chromatic bass in contrary motion
A useful reminder of this interesting sound with music notation
A little chromatic bass run to have a go at, in notation and note names
Combining a chord with a little chromatic run alongside notation and note names
An interesting semi chromatic riff
In notation and with note names for non readers
Chromatic bass note to add emphasis
An unusual but quite easy effect to try
A nice easy diagram to help you see the gaps between buttons that make up these intervals
Avoiding minor key panic with a different bass note
When you do not feel like reaching for that awkward note with a minor chord these easier buttons to find sound pretty good too, sometimes better as less obtrusive
Some easy bass runs good for links
Some easy bass moves in one simple button diagram with examples of the notes they will give you
ON THE PAGE EXTRA CHORDS
This is the page to reassure you that there is a lot more subtlety of harmony to use, hidden in the way you use your bass buttons. You can do a lot more than Major, minor, 7th and diminished.
Play More chords than you thought possible
You are not limited just to major, minor, 7ths and diminished chords
Naturally occurring chord variations
Chords that appear as soon as you add the melody
A new chord from bass note and chord combined
New chords can also be produced by unfamiliar combinations of bass note and chord
Suspended 4ths and augmented 4ths
Just what are these things anyway? An explanation
How to produce an augmented chord on bass buttons
It is well known that the augmented chord is the only one you cannot play in the bass on the accordion. Well, as it happens......
Diminished 7th chords for 5 bass row instruments
Apparently impossible on your 60 or 80 bass accordion, but in fact EASY!!
Different 7th inversions on 6 row bass
It is easy to find an alternative 7th chord on 6 row accordions. You might like this one better (or not)
Bass note only plus right hand chord
This used to be the standard jazz accordionist's method that made any chord shapeable in the right hand possible
Bass note and chord with treble chord
This opens up the way to really magnificent chords of all types, even including exciting discords sweeping their way into lush mellow sounds and more
A list to help you make right hand chords
As the accordion mostly provides chords played by one button in the left hand many accordionists understandably do not know how to build up a chord one note at a time. So here is a list showing how to make the spacing correct for 10 different types of chord.
ON THE PAGE RIGHT HAND IDEAS
This is the page with suggestions for different ways you can spice up your treble sound
Reasons you may not sound professional and confident
Identify the two most likely main causes and learn how to easily put them right
List of 17 different ways of playing right hand
Seventeen ideas worth studying and thinking about!
Adding Right Hand to Enhance Rhythms
How The left hand chords can be helped to sound more lively
How to add syncopation to give a lighter smoother feel
Syncopation is not what you imagine - here is how to use it for a more flowing and yet authoritarian feel to your music
The Infamous Semitone shift played really fast
More co-operation between the hands, with a short example to try
How you can add movement and interest this way
How it works, staying in key or not and fingering principles
Fingering examples, short and a samplemore extended version
Playing in sixths and some suggested fingering on a sample
Some suggested fingerings for three note chords in right hand moving to logical close positions
Arpeggio playing for small hands
You can span more distances than you think. Here is how
Sometimes the most brilliant arpeggios may fail because they somehow do not really show. Hints and reminders to avoid this
Dealing with the accordion keyboard difference
With a normal keyboard your playing is helped by gravity which keeps the hand in close contact amongst other things. One way to keep close during thumb crossings.
Chromatic right hand scales are easy except that they need a lot of troublesome thumb movement. This can be reduced by this method derived from chromatic accordion playing.
Everybody knows that once you get to the fifth finger you have nowhere beyond it to go. The Liszt fingering, derived from the famous pianist composer disagrees. How and when to use it or not.
Sliding to the next note is an art in itself. As is deciding how often to use it. Some guidelines as to how and when to use it.
SOME RIGHT HAND DECORATIVE RUNS, PLAYING IN TWO PARTS etc - PLEASE SEE VIDEO PAGES!
In The New
CHROMATIC ACCORDION PAGE
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to play chromatic accordion and how to understand the way the notes are arranged and played this new page is for you.
This page contains charts that guide you, not just leaves you to find your own way around!
NOW EVEN MORE CONTENT INCLUDING CLOSE UP OF C SYSTEM MOVES FOR CHORDS ARPEGGIOS ETC
ON THE PAGE MAINTENANCE
This is the page with suggestions for keeping your instrument in tip top condition while playing and even for no risk easy ways we have used to cure common problems.
PUT AWAY THAT SCREWDRIVER NOW!!
Sometimes these will be all you need. If these do not work for you though, please consult your expert repair man.
Before you start to play each time
Keeping your reeds in good condition and responsive each time you start playing
Preparing a new or neglected instrument
The running in period of a new instrument can be used to really get it going. Or a neglected instrument that needs conditioning.
You are playing and your accordion suddenly sounds out of tune
Always worth checking this while you are playing!
A note not working or sounding bad
This may not be as bad as you think. Put that screwdriver away and simply try this
The bass button mechanism is a very delicate mechanism. But sometimes just a little encouragement in the right places can cure stuck bass buttons.
NEW - FURTHER EXPLANATION AND CHROMATIC VIDEO
ON THE PAGE WHICH ACCORDION
The image below shows my own choice of my Victoria A420V 120 bass professional accordion from Italy which inspired this whole project
This page helps you decide on what size of new accordion will suit you best, whether you are beginning or wanting to try a different size
GENERAL POINTS TO THINK ABOUT
Some general things to take into consideration
An overall look at the possibilities
A checklist of various items to consider
Are the keys you can play in important
Key availability in different accordions varies according to your tunes
Reasons for wanting a bigger accordioni
Main advantages of having a larger bass button range
Other Advantages of larger instruments
Different facilities available on the larger accordion sizes
THE INSTRUMENT SIZES
The basic one mainly shows you what a good idea it is to go bigger now you have got the main idea
At least you have minor chords now, but still very limiting
Four rows gives you a little more chance
The one that gives you reduced playing facilities in a wider range of keys
With full playing facilities in a limited range of keys
An excellent compromise and a light versatile accordion in a medium range of keys
As many keys to play in as 96 bass, 5 rows that can be used as 6
A 6 row light weight accordion which may have as many bass notes as you need
The normal alternative to the maximum size instrument
The full size instrument with many options to choose from
THE WHAT'S NEW ACCORDIONWISE BLOG PAGE
This is where to go if you have already managed to read everything so far on our pages, as it will tell you what is new by date so you can catch up.
It also has my blog on it, which includes my latest thoughts accordionwise of the day. What my accordion has told me about playing methods and ideas at my morning practice in fact.
Sometimes useful reminders of what is on the other pages and how to implement them, and sometimes something totally new to the site
THE LINKS BELOW WILL TAKE YOU DIRECT TO THE SECTION DESCRIBED
Eight ideas highlighted in practice today.
Easy alternative bass notes and pattern variations
Reversing notes and chords
The sixth as bass notes
Rolled effects on bass for emphasis
The light and subtle effect of using chords only
Bass affected by bellows
Effective right hand arpeggios
Remembering tonal beauty
Today's four ideas
Avoiding obscuring special treble parts
Playing chord buttons without bass note buttons
Two very different ways to emphasise part of a melody
Making better listening by making the song structure clear
Thinking about today
Syncopation and how it gives you a more relaxed feel
Pozzibillities of disconnected playing
Incorporating shorter note values in flurries in bass accompaniment to avoid that boxy feel to you music
Dont think you cannot play that fast!
Shifting chords, likely and unlikely progressions or finger movements
Dont forget the possibilities of fewer of slower notes or chords..
Thinking about today
Plain fast bass accompaniment playing (5 points).
Playing different chords in the left and right hands
Why do it and how to do it effectively
Be shameless about it!
Thinking about today
Maybe synchronising notes between the hands does not always produce the best results. The benefits and technique of playing with each hand INDEPENDENTLY.
This is a short description for an interesting subject covered here.
Thinking about today
Easy to play the relative minor chord (F#m from A for example). How to play it without leaving!
Thinking about today
Are you actually under-using the possibilities of your easiest left hand button positions?
Using chord only bass buttons and their effects
Plus ways to handle those awkward gaps in the tune
Thinking about Today
How right hand chords work.
And how to play richer sounding chords
And how to use them, what to do afterwards.
Just a thought
Could you use words to generate original tunes?
Today's technique
Slip-sliding away with glissandos
Sliding chords for rich big band style sound
Simple happening that will prevent you succeeding with them
Suggestions for usage and two main methods for doing them
PLUS MANY MORE CONTINUOUS BLOGS FOLLOWED BY BLOGS BEING PUT IN THE VIDEO SECTION BELOW
And Now Enjoy the New Video Playing Techniques and Styles Pages
Click here for
VIDEO EXAMPLES PAGE
for this new video examples page with commentary on what is being shown. Now divided into two pages to relax your browse a little more!
THESE ARE ALL ORIGINAL VIDEOS YOU WILL NOT SEE ELSEWHERE!
This is what you need to put these special ideas together
The first two examples feature sliding chords glissandos plus extras and the effectiveness of missing out bass notes.
NOW THERE ARE OVER 190 UNIQUE VIDEOS TO SEE THERE!
THE VIDEOS OFTEN CONTAIN SEVERAL ONLY LOOSELY CONNECTED IDEAS SO THIS LIST IS APPROXIMATE
VIDEO ! - MAKE THE MELODY SING
On phrasing freely to set the melody free - play like a singer covers the tune.
VIDEO 2 - YOU CAN PLAY BOOGIE STYLE BASS
Boogie bass for Chatanooga Choo Choo, and it is NOT difficult.
VIDEO 3 - THE DIFFERENT SOUND OF SLIDING CHORDS
Sliding gissando chords on the tune Charade. Two methods discussed
VIDEO 4 - A LIGHTER TOUCH FOR AN OLD TUNE
Underneath the Arches featuring a lighter touch than often given
VIDEO 5 - PLAY NOTES THAT ARE NOT ACTUALLY THERE
Simulating a full octave arpeggio accompaniment even though you cannot have different notes for the top and bottom octave in the stradella bass (with diagrams)
VIDEO 6 - HOW TO PLAY IN THIRDS
Fingering to allow playing melodies in thirds (tune shadowed alternate note below continuously)
VIDEO 7 - PLAYING IN THIRDS CLOSE UP
Close up of playing in parallel thirds on treble with the tune La Paloma
VIDEO 8 - NICELY EFFECTIVE PARALLEL 3RD MELODY NOTES
A better balanced less close up tune O Sole Mio featuring parallel chords producing nice harmony even with basic bass chords.
VIDEO 9 - THUMBLESS CHROMATIC RUNS
An unusual method for playing upward chromatic scales with no use of the thumb after the first note. Based on fingering for chromatic accordion.
VIDEO 10 - EASY ALTERNATE ARPEGGIO FINGERINGS
An "improved" easy method of playing treble two octave arpeggios. Plus using the Lizst fingering.
VIDEO 11 - WHERE IS THE BREAK IN THIS BASS TUNE?
Playing the tune on the bass buttons (despite the literal one octave restricted range of the bass notes in the stradella system)
VIDEO 12 - NICE EFFECT OF JUST CHORDS NO BASS NOTES
The shifting 3 part harmony effect of sometimes going straight from chord to chord in the bass (no note in between)
VIDEO 12 - WATCH A MOVING DIAGRAM FOR THE CHROMATIC SCALE
More of a moving diagram than a video showing very clearly how to move up and down a chromatic scale on the bass notes
VIDEO 13 - RIGHT AND LEFT HAND TOGETHER MAKE BETTER SOUNDS
Building up bigger more interesting sounds by combining bass and treble keyboards to do it
VIDEO 14 - DO SOME CHORDS YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO DO
Extra Chords, including suspended 4ths and 2nds and their useage
VIDEO 15 - PUTTING THE BELL INTO BELLOWS PLUS CONFIDENT STYLE
Bellows operation for a gentler almost more bell like accordion sound. Also a reminder about covering as many notes in the tune before playing for an easy relaxed pro sound.
VIDEO 16 - SIMPLIFYING THE BASS BY PLAYING ONLY TWICE IN A BAR
Simplifying the bass sometimes by playing your note chord sequence only once in a bar. You can also revert to normal or fill the gaps with chords from the right hand. Illustrated with White Christmas
VIDEO 17 - EMPHASIS, EXPRESSION AND FLOWING MELODY
Using normal emphasis and expression with the bellows. Also how and when to decorate the melody for a flowing sound where the tune might otherwise be a bit stodgy.
VIDEO 18 - AN ANTI SPLUTTER TECHNIQUE
Defeating the spluttering sound of the bass and relating it to the gentler right hand bellows technique also.
VIDEO 19 - IT IS NICE WHEN YOU TAKE CARE ON THE CHORD CHANGES
Reharmonising tunes. Although you can often use the same harmony and thus bass accompaniment style through two bars or even more try these easy tips for varying the harmony much more frequently. This adds an element of relatively smooth sophistication and thoughtfulness to the most basic tune.
VIDEO 20 - SHIFTING HARMONIES EXAMPLES FROM JUST BASS CHORDS
Making interesting shifting harmonies utilising just the left hand chords. Made easy of course.
VIDEO 21 - CLOSE UP OF EXAMPLES ON EASY CHORD SHIFTING
Easy short video about shifting harmony between chords and specific examples to try. With closeup of left hand. In 3 time and in 4 time examples.
VIDEO 22 - DIFFERENT WAYS OF COMBINING TREBLE AND BASS SOUNDS
Shadowing the lower note of a tune played in thirds in the left hand button. And dividing the chord in an unusual split manner between treble and bass notes.
VIDEO 23 - IT'S EASY TO PLAY "IMPOSSIBLE" AUGMENTED BASS CHORDS
Discovering the augmented chord and a couple of down to earth occasions wher you can use it
VIDEO 24 - TRIPLET FINGERINGS SHOWN CLOSE ON PIANO KEYBOARD
An easy close up of basic triplet fingerings on the treble keyboard, shown for clarity on a piano keyboard
VIDEO 25 - EXAMPLE OF USING YOUR THIRDS FINGERINGS
Actually using your thirds fingerings to good effect on the accordion with a very easy tune
VIDEO 26 - RELAX TO A GENERAL DEMONSTRATION
A more general tune demonstration more like the way I would actually play it. The emphasis that you are telling a story when you are playing and trying to communicate that to your listeners. Not typical accordion music
VIDEO 27 - THE POPULAR BASS ARPEGGIOS SHOWN FOR ACCORDION
Full octave arpeggios up and down with both top an bottom notes different are impossible on stradella bass, right? Here is how to do them EASILY
VIDEO 28 - COMPOUND (TRIPLET BASED) TIME SIGNATURES
Compound time signatures such as 12/8. What they are and lots of demonstrations of how to handle them effectively in the bass accompaniment without accidentally playing lots of little waltzes
VIDEO 29 - PRACTICE FREEING YOUR LEFT HAND ANYWHERE
A very easy and quick way to free you from being tied down to your first learned bass note patterns. You can even do this on the bus or train!
VIDEO 30 - CONNECTING BASS MELODIES
Different styles of lead-ins and chromatic bass runs with a popular one demonstrated in a well-known tune
PAGE TWO OF VIDEO EXAMPLES STARTS HERE
VIDEO 31 - THREE WAYS WITH 12/8 TIME
Three different ways of playing in 12/8 compound time in a nice short video. And of course a reminder of what it means
VIDEO 32 - DON'T FEAR THE DOTTED CROTCHET
Why A dotted crotchet and quaver rhythm tends to make accordionists and other musicians feel easy. Exactly how NOT to need to fake it and full explanation as to why fast and slow notes do not exist!
VIDEO 33 - ADAPT CHROMATIC RUNS TO STAY NEAR YOUR CHORD
Some practical uses of chromatic bass runs and even how to make them even more manageable - don't land up miles up the keyboard for chromatic runs!
VIDEO 34 - WHAT USE ARE CHROMATIC SCALES? - FIND OUT
We have shown you on the website how to play chromatic scales on the bass, but how would you actually use them? A demonstration or two
VIDEO 35 - BRINGING THE BASS BACK IN EFFECTIVELY
Two ways of bringing in the bass following an unaccompanied fast run opening to a tune or phrase.
VIDEO 36 - LOTS OF CHOICE FOR WALTZ TIME
Some suggestions demonstrated for playing in 3/4 time or waltz time, besides the standard oom pah pah.
VIDEO 37
Understanding tone and semitone bass stradella moves and exercises to make them easy
VIDEO 38 - WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY SYNCOPATION
Syncopation, why it is an aid to smooth listening and not the jolting effect you thought was intended
VIDEO 39 - SLOW WALTZ DEMONSTRATION FOR BASS STYLE
Waltz, a demonstration of my waltz playing method, much more than oom-pah-pah
VIDEO 40 - PUTTING THE ZING INTO TANGOS
Tango, my method of playing the rhythm with a foot-tapping feel to it to please the dancers
VIDEO 41 - THE ACCORDION AS AN EXPRESSIVE INSTRUMENT
Musical Expression is so natural and easy on the accordion. It should be used more and here is a method to do it, and to phrase and put in decorations along the way to light up the tune.
VIDEO 42 - PLAYING ACCORDION BOOGIE STYLE BASS
Playing two forms of boogie bass line, both useful and both illustrated
VIDEO 43 - SOMETIMES TWO PARTS ARE NOT ENOUGH
How to play an extra right hand part while holding the thumb or little finger. And how to extend it beyond the stretch of your hand
VIDEO 44 - A FIRST WORLD ACCORDION PLAYING PROBLEM
How do you find all those treble registers to find that sound without looking on a larger accordion. Not such a problem of course if you have only 5 tabs to choose from.
VIDEO 45 - PLAYING CHA CHA - A METHOD
A discussion and demonstration on playing a cha cha, or as I explain it A Cha Cha ChaChaCha
VIDEO 46 - VERY EASY BASS VARIATION
How to vary your bass pattern easily using a simple rhythm variation. You can practice both away from the bass buttons, then on them. And a demonstration on a tune with a contrasting middle section.
VIDEO 47 - MAKING THAT SPECIAL ACCORDION DECORATION
How to make that special note accenting sound unique to the accordion. It does require exact finger movement and bellows synchronisation. Plus heavy listening to your own work!
VIDEO 48 - BALANCING THE INTEREST BETWEEN THE HANDS
Exchanging ideas between the left and right hands as you play, and one hand giving way momentarily to the other. Hopefully you may spot these principles in a fairly normal video of a tune.
VIDEO 49 - LEARN BOLERO RHYTHM - FOR SPECIAL TUNES OR FINALES
This is a really good tempo to try. The bolero or rather the simplified version which is so useful to build up a big finale in a four beat ballad.
VIDEO 50 - MORE LIGHTER USE OF TRIPLETS AS IN BOLERO
Deriving some parts of the triplet you learned to play with the bolero, but this time with a lighter touch included with subtly shifting unsupported chords
VIDEO 51 - TRY A SNIPPET OF THIS TUNE FOLLOWING NOTE NAMES
Instructions and demo of playing a little popular tune on bass
VIDEO 52
How to sound and feel professional by playing with organised movements. Your listeners can hear the difference if you do not do this.
VIDEO 53 - YOUR WALTZ WHY SO FAMILIAR? FURTHER BASS TREATMENT
An arrangement I call Your Waltz and a challenge to you to further identify it. Also an alternative bass treatment consisting of only two movements in some bars of a waltz. Also applicable to general playing
VIDEO 54 - INCREASING YOUR SPEED WITH THE HANON SYSTEM
Increase your speed with the Hanon system for virtuoso keyboard players with this easy demonstration. Follow the video and just do it.
VIDEO 55 - FILLING IN THE GAPS IN THE MUSIC EASILY
This is about filling in the awkward pauses in the music where the melody stops doing anything, mainly with some easy subtle sounding bass variations
VIDEO 56- PLAYING BEGUINE OR RHUMBA
Detail on playing this useful rhythm and three varying tunes illustrating actual practical use trying to avoid annoying left hand repetition
VIDEO 57 - FINDING RIGHT HAND CHORDS AND ARPEGGIOS
Not just about how to find them and recognise them, but how to play them fluently. Illustrated by a well kPage: MUSICAL GIFTSnown tune which goes up and down over the main major chords and sevenths
VIDEO 58 - MEXICAN OR MARIACHI STYLE PLAYING
This is not just the rhythm section but playing in descant thirds or full right hand root position chords, occasional chord glissandos and more creates a different sound on the accordion.
VIDEO 59 - HOW TO DO 4 BAR OR 8 BAR RHYTHM PATTERNS
Avoid monotony just by adjusting the fourth bar, or every fourth bar with some very slight adapted finger movements is suggested in this straight forward tutorial
VIDEO 60 - SYNCOPATION + GO TO 2 BEATS IN A BAR FOR SMOOTHNESS
Demonstration of swing style big band style syncopation. Then cutting to good but less intrusive bass use by cutting across to two in a bar where not much is happening in the right hand. The tune used even enables you to do it on alternate bars.
VIDEO 61 - EASY LESSON TO SYNCOPATE AND USE IT FREQUENTLY
Using the second subtle type of syncopation will make your melodies sing sweeter and smoother. A very easy lesson in how to syncopate. This can transform your effect on your listeners.
VIDEO 62 - BOUNCING THE TUNE OFF THE BASS
A chord, normally a held chord, is usefully followed by the resumption of the tune. There are also useful variations on this technique of course
VIDEO 63 - DECORATING THE TUNE METHODS
How and why to vary the tune to bring out the character and make the melodies still more memorable
VIDEO 64 - ADD PERSONALITY TO THE TUNE WITH DECORATIONS
Ideas of how to enliven your interpretation, and which types of decoration may be suitable for your melody
VIDEO 64 - EXTRA EFFECTS TREMOLO 3RDS, EXTENDED ARPEGGIOS
Playing thirds in tremolo form with and without extra parts under.
VIDEO 65 - PLAYING RELAXED ACCORDION
The accordion does not have to be palyed frenetically, a demonstration of a tune in relaxed style
VIDEO 66 -SOME BASIC WAYS OF VARYING ACCORDION BASS
A practical demonstration of how to vary the rhythm in the bass
VIDEO 67 - EFFICIENT FINGER MOVEMENTS
Keeping fingers close to the keys at all times makes more music for less effort and guarantees playing the right notes that you have covered
VIDEO 68 - USING SOME OF THE EASY VARIATIONS
A summary of some of the easier ways of varying bass accompaniments and where they might fit in
VIDEO 69 - CLEAN FAST PLAYING AND ARPEGGIOS
Respond to your keyboard action and also securely set up those big arpeggios to be safely easily played
PAGE THREE OF VIDEO EXAMPLES
VIDEO 70 - HOW TO FIND RIGHT HAND HARMONY TO PLAY
Ostensibly a very difficult subject particularly for accordionists with no previous knowledge of other keyboard instruments I think I have found an easy way to start you off. A subject I had put off for a while! Prepare for Cinemascope and Broadway ostentation!
VIDEO 71 - WHY THE MUSIC ACADEMIES HATE ACCORDION
It's all about the bass! The stradella bass, which makes life far too easy for us of course. And stradella bass in itself can also tell us a lot about music and of course directly access the circle of keys
VIDEO 72 - THIS I THINK SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL BUT SHOULD NOT
Sometimes that perfect matching between left and right hand chords is not what you need. Shifting harmony from dissonance to harmony creates both interest and beauty if you do it right.
VIDEO 73 - ARRANGING POP TUNES SUCCESSFULY FOR ACCORDION
Will it be actual music or accordion music?!! It can sound forced if not done right. As well as bass rhythm ideas I suggest making the song itself the main influence
VIDEO 74 - WHICH SOUND IS THE MUSETTE?
Full three voice music or 2 voice violin register, which do you think the French tunes sound best on. Probably a subjective choice, so make your choice
VIDEO 75 - CAN YOU PLAY BY EAR?
Accordionists usually divide themselves into those who read from music and those who can pick out tunes by ear, but maybe there is a halfway house. Test yourself and maybe adapt to working from sound.
VIDEO 76 - FOUR IDEAS WITH ONE TUNE
A couple of different bass usages in this popular tune, plus a way of varying the tune, incorporating crotchet (quarter note) triplets for emphasis and even varying the approach finally with an extra right hand part to listen to.
VIDEO 77 - A ROCK AND ROLL BASS IDEA
This is a very popular rock and roll era tune used as an example, adding different bass devices etc one by one in a grdual demonstration
VIDEO 78 - THE EASIEST EXTRA BASS MOVE TO ENHANCE YOUR STYLE
How to easily find a chromatic move to enhance the effet of moving between your most basic chords
VIDEO 79 - BONUS TRACK - AN EFFECTIVE SPARSE BASS ARRANGEMENT
Although there are interesting moves between sections in this demo sometimes, note how little bass is needed in the main
VIDEO 80 - LIGHT TOUCH FOR CLEAR FAST PARTS
This is done by not going down all the way into the keybed, and starting slightly higher above the keyboard, only just touching it
VIDEO 81 - RELAX, IT IS THE ISLAND OF DREAMS
This tune played in 3, but with very littlo of the conventional oom pah pah accompaniment in the bass
VIDEO 82 - TWO KINDS OF BOOGIE BASS
Exactly how to play the two kinds, including showing you on the treble keyboard what you are aiming at, use of the little finger, and a little jam with both hands at the end!
VIDEO 83 - THREE TO A BAR NOT A DEFINITE WALTZ
This is a relaxing method of playing without the insistent waltz beat
VIDEO 84 - SUPERSTAR (THE CARPENTERS)
The ballad is played with MAJOR 7ths (with sharpened 7th) and Minor 7ths to get the right mood. How to find them
VIDEO 85 - EVEN LESS BASS DEMONSTRATION
Previous videos occasionally used only two bass movements in four beats, this comes right down to utilising only one, bass note then chord on next bar. Very smooth
VIDEO 86 - POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT VIDEO YOU CAN WATCH
Here is full instruction on finding any suitable alternative stradella accordion bass note you wish
VIDEO 87 - USEFUL UNUSUAL FINGERING METHODS IN THE TREBLE
Although the main purpose of correct fingering may be to stay static in one place, sometimes extra movements even on the same note can extend the range and make the use of the thumb unnecessary
VIDEO 88 - BENEFITS OF PLAYING PARTS OF THE TUNE ON BASS BUTTONS
Here is an example of Besame Mucho with odd phrases played on bass buttons, thus leaving the right hand to take over the accompaniment and make a sound which is impossible on the stradella bass buttons.
VIDEO 89 - A DIFFERENT BALANCE BETWEEN THE HANDS - NO TABS
A method that lets you vary the balance between the left and right hand and is not dependent on your altering any ogf your registers. Can also make a nicer right hand keyboard sound.
VIDEO 90 - LETTING ARPEGGIOS BE HEARD - ALSO MUSICAL EXPRESSION
Sometimes the cause of your arpeggios not sounding good is because of what else you are doing. It is the final sound that counts
VIDEO 91 - A SOLO DESCEMNDING BASS SCALE INTRO THEN THIS
One note defines the new tune you will recognise instantly and how to play the rock beat which accompanies this song
VIDEO 92 - WHY VARY THE BASS WHEN YOU CAN PRODUCE WALLPAPER?
Some practical suggestions on the use of the rule of three in the bass and also the useful variation of crotchet or quarternote triplets
VIDEO 93 - THAT FULL BODIED RUSSIAN SOUND ENHANCED
Using both hands for chords, but mostly not simultaneously not only makes a very rich sound but enables extra rhythm detail between the hands
VIDEO 94 - PLAYING EFFECTIVELY WITH TWO RIGHT HAND PARTS
How to help make it clear that the extra part you are playing is decoration and not the melody line. Also about using half the depth of the key to give a lighter detached but not too stacatto sound
VIDEO 95 - A TWO BAR JAZZ WALTZ OR 12/8 BASS PART TO TRY
A bit like playing bars in pairs and this utilises the occasional quicker left hand movement mentioned earlier.
VIDEO 96 - BOTH HANDS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 12/8 TEMPO
Demonstration using the lovely tune To Each His Own to show how the hands can take turns to fill in the triplet part of this tempo
VIDEO 97 - ACTUALLY BEING ABLE TO USE YOUR MAJOR SCALES
This is an interesting exercise that will help you find your way in that major scale pattern you probably already learned.
VIDEO EXAMPLES PAGE 4
VIDEO 98 - 5 STEPS TO A MORE INTERESTING ACCORDION ARRANGEMENT
Is this the most boring tune ever written, let us see if we can do something about it.
VIDEO 99 - THIS TUNE CAN BE PLAYED WITH ONE CHORD BUT DON"T!
Probably the most popular tune mentioned by accordionists and other music lovers, but it sounds much better with chord variety
VIDEO 100 - PLAYING VARIOUS BASS RUNS AND A PRACTICE METHOD
Here are some bass button runs to add variety to your playing and also a good idea ss to how you might develop some more
VIDEO 101 - ENRICHING YOUR SOUND WITH 3rds AND 6ths
How to find them, play them, and finger them well. A first step to playing right hand chords possibly, but one which still allows you to play fluently
VIDEO 102 - PLAYING A 60s ROCK BEAT NATURALLY ON ACCORDION
Though easy to play, this is probably one of the most difficult beats to pull off, either it sounds unnatural or irrelevant, but there are some great tunes to play like this
VIDEO 103 - INTRODUCING THE SPECIAL SOUND OF SLIDING CHORDS
Almost like a big band chord glissandos release the sound of the accordion from just ordinary straight on the note renditions. Worth trying
VIDEO 104 - EASY BASS RIFF - ADDING BASS PATTERNS IN 4/4 ETC
Here is a nice easy bass riff to practice, systematic selection of bass patterns for an easy well known tune, beguine/rhumba variation and more
VIDEO 105 - A NICE BRIGHT EFFECT WITH ARPEGGIOS AND 3RDS
And of course this goes over new ways to use them and how to produce them. I think you will enjoy the demonstration tune.
VIDEO 106 - USEFUL BASS RIFFS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA POLKA
There are three main riffs, including one unique to this tune, plus a couple of others highlighted on this website, and a movement in 3rds below.
VIDEO 107 - AN UNUSUAL SONG FOR ACCORDION THAT FITS SO WELL
This lively Latin style tune written by a popular singer fits the accordion so well it is amazing it is not a regular accordion favourite. The feel here is so like the original arrangement just withg bass buttons
VIDEO 108 - SPARKLING OR SMOOTH BY THE WAY YOU PLAY
Here on the L M M+ register, which is available on virtually all accordions, we try out the remarkable difference from just varying the touch
VIDEO 109 - A NEW TUNE FOR OLD
Sometimes the accordion can, thoughtfully used, add new life to a lack lustre tune you have played far too many times already
VIDEO 110 - PHRASING AND BELLOWS CONTROL FOR THE LEFT HAND
This can alleviate that repetitive effect, improve expressions and make melody from the bass buttons much more effective and better integrated
VIDEO 111 - FINDING RIGHT HAND CHORDS FOR YOUR TUNE
Including choosing them, what they will feel like, a video demonstration plus a large colour illustration to show what you have just seen
VIDEO 112 - ADD A LIVELY LATIN FEEL - SYNCOPATE BETWEEN HANDS
Organising the right hand chords left hand chords and bass notes creates a more interesting pattern on a well known often played tune here.
VIDEO 113 - ORGANISING YOUR TUNE INTO A GOOD ARRANGEMENT
A well known tune is used to illustrate when to add stuff to your arrangement, when to hold back, how and when to vary it and more
VIDEO 114 - ADDING SOME SWING TO YOUR BASS PART
A touch of dotted beat may help here and it may even be reversed in the second half of the bar. And, as always, used with discretion before it becomes annoying
VIDEO 115 - IMPORTANT BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THIS WEBSITE
Mainly we are set up to increase understanding of the more subtle approach like musical expression and better playing arrangements that can improve the musical standing of accordion with a wider audience
VIDEO 116 - A WALTZ PATTERN, A WALTZ AND A BASS RUN
Just a snippet of a waltz including a fast scurrying triplet on the second beat, a version of the Merry Widow Waltz and a new bass run to try
VIDEO 117 - MAKING A USEFUL MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT
Here we guild up an arrangement gradually so that it sounds good on the accordion and interprets the music successfully
VIDEO 118 - THE DIFFERENT FEELING OF LEANING ON THE BASS CHORD
Another way of making a nice full bass accompaniment to help the bass rhythm move along. Just viewing your music from a new angle.
VIDEO 119 - TWO 3/4 BARS LINKED FOR A NICE 6/6 RHTYHM
Including some sections played on bass buttons alone for extra clarity this shows how to avoid doing lots of little waltzes when you really want a compound time signature feeling
VIDEO 120 - KNOWING YOUR BASS NOTE INTERVALS
A reminder of the essential knowledge that helps you play absolute any snippets of tune needed to be played on the bass buttons
VIDEO 121 - THE AMAZING POWER OF UNDERSTATEMENT
Accordion playing is often perceived and played as rather brash, whereas a lighter approach is easier to do and nicer to listen to. And you can sound like you are on a different better accordion!
VIDEO 122 - THE BENEFIT OF PLAYING EXTRA INTERMEDIATE CHORDS
You can either harmonise a whole phrase with one chord or bring extra detail and musicality in by treating some melody notes separately.
VIDEO 123 - AN EASY EFFECTIVE BASS PART FOR AN OLD POP TUNE
This bass part actually covers the intro for this tune and of course I cover going into the main tune also
VIDEO 124 - EASILY VARY A BASS PART ALSO ADD AN EXTRA TREBLE LINE
Yes, two subjects, how to form a two or four bar bass line illustrated, and how you can play an extra treble part so you are your osn duettist. You may be surprised at how far your hand can stretch for this.
VIDEO 125 - USE THE SUBTLETY IN YOUR ACCORDION - ALSO MAJOR 7THS
The accordion can be played like it was a part of you with such a direct connection to musical expression. Also learn about Sharpened 7th chords
VIDEO 126 A MORE SECURE TECHNIQUE + BASS NOTES FOR DIMINISHED CHORDS - I recommend playing as if you were holding the accordion in your hand. Plus the usual extra notes do not work with diminished chords, but these will!
VIDEO 127 - A BOOGIE BASS FOR A BEATLES TUNE
Combining both bass notes and chords this is a practical boogie bass for stradella accordion and is demonstrated with I Saw Her Standing There.
VIDEO 128 - BELLOWS CONTROL - A NEW ANGLE
Although you are told all you have to do is change bellows direction every two or four bars when you start playing to avoid running out of air, in real life this rarely works. Some very different suggestions that will really improve your sound.
VIDEO 129 - WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE DIFFICULT BITS
The answer is simple but may involve more self discipline than you can manage. But at least it does not require incredible knowledge or playing ability.
VIDEO 130 - EXPANDING ACCORDION REPERTOIRE - AN EXAMPLE
What is accordion repertoire anyway? Is it confined to folk, accordion novelty pieces, ethnic, French, Scottish etc? How to expand it naturally but not in a forced manner.
VIDEO 131 - A BOUNCY LATIN STYLE RHYTHM FOR A SUNNY DAY TUNE
The main difference here is on accenting and timing of the bass buttons. Also neat fast repeating chords played with a combination of methods
VIDEO 132 - THE DREAM SEQUENCE INSPIRED VIDEO
Several subjects over 4 or 5 different tunes, plus a reminder of how to allocate bass button use, a four bar bass riff solo, and more
VIDEO 133 - WAYS OF PLAYING AND USING ARPEGGIOS
How even a bass button arpeggio can include two different octaves of the same note. Playing left hand only , right hand only, or both hands arpeggios for maximum smoothness and variety of texture.
VIDEO 134 - PARALLEL 3RDS ON BASS BUTTONS TO ADD DEPTH
Much better than simply playing the same notes these add harmony too, plus there is also a lively tune arranged simply but effectively
VIDEO 135 - A BASIC WALTZ VARIED PLUS AN EASIER IMPROVED CHORD
Long and short chords in different orders create different effects and variety in an arrangement even with the same notes used. Plus should I have been playing this chord instead for the last 50 years or so?
VIDEO 136 - USE THE CONTRAST BETWEEN STRAIGHT AND SYNCOPATED
Often accordion music is seen as straight with exact note for note synchonisation between treble and bass but this is not always the best way to tell the story of a song for your listeners.
VIDEO 137 - ENGAGE THE ATTENTION OF YOUR AUDIENCE BETTER
Although this comes under the guise of showmanship, a major part of your audience's enjoyment of your music may be working out wht you are doing to make those sounds. Here is a way to interest them by making it clearer.
VIDEO 138 - MORE ABOUT TWO AGAINST FOUR IN YOUR ARRANGEMENTS
Some more demonstrations on how it is unnecessary to duplicate every beat beween left and right hand on the accordion and a simple fix for it.
VIDEO EXAMPLES PAGE 5
VIDEO 139 - A BASS LINE ENHANCES A DULLISH SONG
The descending bass always gives a very strong and logical feel to the harmony in your arrangements, often as simply done as with this descending scale featured here
VIDEO 140 - PLACING ACCENTS, MATCHING TREBLE/BASS, DRONES
Caomparing playing a tune to how you would actually say it, different ways to match or contrast treble/bass registers, play moving open 5th drones
VIDEO 141 - VARYING YOUR LATIN OR BEGUINE LEFT HAND
You can do it by reversing chord and note buttons, just by cutting off or even replacing for a period with basic treatment
VIDEO 142 - PASO DOBLE BETWEEN HANDS AND CHORD SUBSTITUTION
It does not need to be continuous, can be inferred by crossing over between left and right hand, also how to go from C to B the hard way!
VIDEO 143 - ENRICH THE SOUND - CHORD CHANGES BY THE RIGHT HAND
Accordion music can often consist of the same chord over a whole bar or several bars. Improving the interest by adding extra changes can be done by the right hand alone if you want to save movement in the left
VIDEO 144 - TWO SOUNDS WITHOUT CHANGING THE REGISTER
A reworking of a tune I played when young to emulate the cascading strings of Mantovani's arrangement of Charmaine, but also the contrasting section, without changing registers.
VIDEO 145 - JUST A LIVELY LATIN TUNE
No specific agenda here, but perhaps you can analyse what I am doing in this tune I played quite naturally, just because I felt like it!
VIDEO 146 - RIGHT HAND, LEFT HAND BUTTONS OR BOTH?
An investigation as to when you should be playing both hands together and demonstration of separate and together playing
VIDEO 147 - A SCOTTISH SONG AND HOW TO WRITE ONE
A basic working of a well known beautiful Scottish tune, and explanation of how to improvise and fake your own new Scottish song
VIDEO 148 - THE DIFFICULTY OF PLAYING SIMPLY
In this case we are referring to playing a simple slow four in a bar, particularly when a little suggestion of lilt or swing is needed
VIDEO 149 - REPERTOIRE EXTENSION AND DO-WAKKA-DOO
Finding new tunes to play from favourite CDs of previous eras can be rewarding. One of these tune examples includes a couple of methods for swinging with do-wakka-do style, but not continuously!
VIDEO 150 - THE ROCK BEGUINE TEMPO FROM THE 50s ONWARDS
Taking you through this very popular styling rhythm which is useful in many different pieces of repertoire
VIDEO 151 - A RELAXED APPROACH TO 6/8 and 12/8
Twelve beats in a bar seems a lot but it is simply four beats divided into 3 sections instead of the normal two. And the melody does not have to match mathematically.
VIDEO 152 - TWO VERY DIFFERENT STYLES FOR EXPRESSIVE BELLOWS
Here is an 80s tune which is often kind of played for a bet on accordion(!) but which can sound good with thoughtful playing. And a very old tune played with a very basic accompaniment style which still works because of the same thing.
VIDEO 153 - CHOOSING YOUR PLAYING METHODS
Do you use solo right or left hand or both together, and smooth or separate notes or maybe chords, or extra little decorations, join ups or even sliding chords? And of course a little demonstration on a popular accordion tune
VIDEO 154 - SUBTLE MODIFICATIONS FOR YOUR BASS
These are quite minor easy variations on playing that can make your playing sound quite a bit more meaningful
VIDEO 155 - HOW BIG IS YOUR STRETCH ON THE RIGHT HAND?
It may not be as limited as you think for various reasons. Here you have a chance to try new voicings of chords spanning 9ths, 10ths or even 11ths
VIDEO 156 - USING EXTENDED RIGHT HAND STRETCHES ON ARPEGGIOS
Now that you have found out just what your hands will do this is leading you through some extended arpeggios which are now easy without thumb crossings. Also mentioning Lizst fingering (going beyond the 5th finger)
VIDEO 157 - LAYERING OF SECTIONS AND EXPRESSIVE PLAYING
Some more experiments in conmbining sections and other methods for variety and expression
VIDEO 158 - GOING BACK TO THE SOURCE - NELSON RIDDLE
You may not get it literally the same but I think going back to the best arrangement of the tune will get you more of a feel for it than copying other accordionist. Your version might be different of course
VIDEO 159 - YOU VARY THE WAY YOU PLAY TWO CONSECUTIVE NOTES
Demonstrrating varieties of a two note phrase of course leads to doing it with more methods in a popular standard tune
VIDEO 160 - A STRANGE INTERPRETATION
Although I went straight to a top arrangement for this tune I strangely came away playing it as a jazz waltz. Listen at your peril if you want to escape back to four time ever again!
VIDEO 161 - TWO MORE METHODS FOR EXPRESSION AND VARIETY
Psesented in glorious Sidewayscope watch the interraction between bass and treble!
VIDEO 162 - THREE PSEUDO TREMOLO METHODS
Covering bass only, an attempt at bellows shake and an alternative to that which allows a smooth melody line against it
VIDEO 163 - REPEAT£ED NOTES FINGERED FOR SPEED OR EXPRESSION
In piano playing fast repeated notes are recommended to be played by different fingers on the same note so maybe this can work on accordion or encourage different sounds on the same note for variety and expression
VIDEO 164 - PLAYING SAMBAS ON ACCORDION
After feeling what the samba should be how can you apply it to accordion. Several easy methods shown, left hand, right hand or combined.
VIDEO 165 - EASY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN NOTES
There are so many different ways of combining and working between the most basic three chord grouping. Here is just one
VIDEO 166 - SONG STYLING DEMONSTRATION OF SEPTEMBER SONG
This is just my suggestion for modifying the way you play this tune to make it more meaningful and even more beautiful. Watch and then try your own!
VIDEO 167 - MAKE YOUR BASS MELODY MORE CONVINCING
Trying to play a bit of the tune on the bass can sound rather wooden or basic compared with the treble. Also how to make your regular bass smoother and more musical
VIDEO 168 - IT'S THAT TUNE AGAIN. LET'S ADD CHARACTER TO IT
I dont really know why even rabidly atheistic accordionists like to play this tune, but at least let's add a touch of gospel fervour to it to brighten it.
VIDEO-169 - OF 3RDS AND 6THS AND MANY THINGS
Thirds fingering and how to use them to enrich the accordion sound and what are 6ths anyway? Make both parts of the thirds match the key signature etc
VIDEO 170 - PASSING QUICKLY BETWEEN RIGHT AND LEFT HAND
At various points in your tune the bass or the treble may benefit by being on its own, or alternatively combined. Demonstration and explanation
VIDEO 171 - FAST REPEATED CHORDS IN THE RIGHT HAND
Very slight movements of the wrist are the key here, made even cleaner by a little assistance by an attempt at start-stop motion of the bellows. Not bothering to make a show of hitting the bottom of the keybed will help.
VIDEO 172 - MAKING A WALTZ MORE ROMANTIC IN STYLE
Surprisingly not all notes should be played as equal for the best and most danceable lilting effect in a modern or viennese waltz
VIDEO 173 - MAKING A TUNE SWING
Moving notes around slightly earlier or later in the bar produces syncopation and how improvising a lively intro helps you "get into the swing"
VIDEO 174 - PLAYING NON-STAMDARD ACCORDION MUSIC
Not all music is perceived as being particularly relevant as accordion music so how do you play other kinds of music which do not seem to fit as well as do waltzes, polkas, tangos, etc.
VIDEO 175 - DECORATIONS ON A TUNE ALSO CHORDS ADDED TO A TUNE
What is more important is that the examples are worked out through the song and slowed down to a crawl to show how they are done. Also three ways of playing in chords on the right hand melody
VIDEO 176 - THE MUSIC TEACHER THAT IS ALWAYS WITH YOU
Sometimes it would be helpful if you had an example to follow in order to make that special left hand riff sound really convincing. Well you have!
VIDEO 177 - A LIVELY UNUSUAL TEMPO FOR ACCORDION
This rock baion style was used quite a lot in popular music just a few years ago and demonstrated with a couple of well-known songs, as always with comments!
VIDEO PAGE SIX
Continuing with more blog style video discussions of accordion technique and sounds
VIDEO 178 - A SIMPLE TUNE IN ORIGINAL STYLE
VIDOE !79 - A PRACTICE RIFF WITH REPEATED CHORDS & EXPRESSION
VIDEO 180 - EVERY ACCORDION IS A MIRACLE IF YOU APPRECIATE IT
VIDEO 181 - MORE SUGGESTIONS FOR COMPOUND KEY SIGNATURES
VIDEO 182 - PLAYING NON ACCORDIONISH TUNES!
VIDEO 183 - HOW MANY PARTS ARE YOU PLAYING ON YOUR ACCORDION?
VIDEO 184 - HOW TO PLAY WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE
VIDEO 185 - SOME BASS FINGERINGS TO USE THAT MAY BE USEFUL
VIDEO 186 - CREATE YOUR OWN SOUND WITH BELLOWS AND PHRASING
VIDEO 187 - THE MOST SURPRISING OBSTACLE TO YOUR PLAYING
VIDEO 188 - THREE METHODS $ SOUNDS OF RIGHT HAND CHORDS
VIDEO 189 - THE MOVING BASS CHORD ILLUSION AND MORE
VIDEO 190 - HOW THE RIGHT HAND PART CAN GROW OUT OF THE LEFT
VIDEO 191 - A PRACTICAL WAY TO SWITCH FROM RIGHT TO LEFT HANDS
VIDEO 192 - IS THIS AN AUTOMATICALLY REPEATING BASS OR NOT?
VIDEO 193 - A LIVELY 12 BAR BLUES STYLE DEMONSTRATION
VIDEO 194 - FIND AND PLAY RIGHT HAND CHORDS EASILY
VIDEO 195 - INTERACTING WITH YOUR ACCORDION AND AUDIENCE
VIDEO 196 - GET HE RIGHT BALANCE EVEN WITH NO BASS REGISTERS
VIDEO 197 - VARYING PLAYING OF JUST 4 NOTES ON NEVERTHELESS
VIDEO 198 - MAKING THE BELLOWS DIRECTION LAST THE PHRASE
VIDEO 199 - MIXING IN BELLOWS SHAKES FOR OCCASIONAL VARIETY
VIDEO 200 - TRYING OUT L WITH H -- A LESS COMMONLY USED SOUND
VIDEO 201 - ACCOMPANIMENT IN A 12/8 EXAMPLE ALMOST A DRUMBEAT
VIDEO 202 - IMPROVISING A LATIN STYLE ACCORDION ACCOMPANIMENT
VIDEO 203 - EXTRA CHORDS WITH EASY BASS PART
VIDEO 204 - WAYS OF DIVIDING ROCK NOTE VALUES, 2, 4, 8 ETC
VIDEO 205 - SOME EASY ADDITIONAL STRADELLA BASS NOTE MOVES
VIDEO 206 - GETTING INTO USING SYNCOPATION
VIDEO 207 - EFFECTS ON A 72 BASS ACCORDION OR LARGER
VIDEO 208 - HOW TO MAKE RICHER HARMONIES ON THE ACCORDION
VIDEO 209 - PLAYING MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN ON A KEYBOARD
VIDEO 210 - TWO KINDS OF 6/8 A BETTER VISION AND DOTTED BASS
VIDEO 211 - A DIFFERENT VIEW ON YOUR ACCORDION SOUND
VIDEO 212 - EXPLOIT YOUR ACCORDION FOR YOUR VERY OWN SOUND
VIDEO 213 - MAKE YOUR SLOW WALTZES LESS BORING
VIDEO 214 - NICE RESULTS OF ACCORDION BREATHING EXERCISES
VIDEO 215 - FEWER BASS NOTES CAN GIVE A LIVELIER POLKA SOUND
VIDEO 216 - CLOSE UP VIDEO ON CHROMATIC C SYSTEM MOVES
VIDEO 217 - PLAYING A SMOOTHER FULLER ACCORDION BASS
VIDEO 218 - DEMYSTIFYING FINDING OR PLAYING RIGHT HAND CHORDS
VIDEO PAGE 7
Continuing with more blog style discussions and demonstrations to help you expand your accordion playing ideas
VIDEO 219 - LIVELINESS AND EASE OF PLAYING SMALLER INSTRUMENTS
VIDEO 220 - MOVE FINGER WEIGHT FOR GOING FROM CHORD TO BASS
VIDEO 221 - MAKE EFFECTIVE FAST BASS RUNS SOUND REALLY GOOD
VIDEO 222 - AN INSTANT WAY TO PRACTICE PLAYING MUSICALLY
VIDEO 223 - CAN YOU HOLD A NOTE AND REPEAT IT AS WELL - YES!
VIDEO 224 - INSTANTLY FREE THE LEFT HAND FROM CONSTANT PATTERNS
VIDEO 225 - A VERY MINIMAL BASS 3/4 PART THAT SOUNDS COMPLETE
VIDEO 226 - MINIMALIST BASS IN FAIRLY LIVELY FOUR IN A BAR
VIDEO 227 - CLEAN STACCATO WITH FINGERS AND/OR BELLOWS
VIDEO 228 - REFRESH YOUR SONG WITH A NEW KEY OR REGISTER
VIDEO 229 - CHOOSE YOUR OCTAVE AND GET A NEW SOUND
VIDEO 230 - DETAILED PLAYING FOR A LOVELY TUNE
VIDEO 231 - PAUSES AND LINKS BETWEEN PHRASES
VIDEO 232 - TRY AN INDIVIDUAL BASS TREATMENT TUNE BY TUNE
VIDEO 233 - DOES BASS NOTE TO CHORD BALANCE ALTER WITH VOLUME?
VIDEO 234 - GETTING AN UNUSUAL LIVELY BLUESY ACCORDION STYLE
VIDEO 235 - TRYING AN EXTREME MINIMAL BASS ON TWO TUNES
VIDEO 236 - START ADDING HARMONY CHORDS TO YOUR RIGHT HAND
VIDEO 237 - PLAYING TANGOS EASILY AND EFFECTIVELY
VIDEO 238 - FAST NOTES MADE CLEAN AND LIGHT BY THE BELLOWS
VIDEO 239 - ENABLING MUSICAL CLARITY BETWEEN THE HANDS
VIDEO 240 - FOUR IN A BAR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE DULL
VIDEO 241 - WORKING WITH A SMOOTH FULL BASS SOUND
VIDEO 242 - VARIOUS SOUNDS PLUS HOW TO SLIDE CHORDS
VIDEO 243 - DO YOU THINK THIS ORBISON BASS IS INCOMPLETE?
VIDEO 244 - A SIMPLE SEEMINGLY STUPID IDEA TO IMPROVE SOUND
VIDEO 245 - ENHANCING A VERY OLD STYLE OF 6/8 BASS
VIDEO 246 - LEAVING OUT BASS AT BEGINNING OR ELSEWHERE
VIDEO 247 - HANDLING INTERRUPTIONS IN THE TUNE
VIDEO 248 - SOMETIMES SIMPLIFY THE BASS RHYTHM PATTERN
VIDEO 249 - PUTTING THE RHYTHM IN LEFT OR RIGHT HANDS
VIDEO 250 - USE ACCENTS YO MAKE BASS RHYTHM ALSO MORE CHORDS
VIDEO 251 - MAKE EASY INTROS JUST FROM EXPANDING CHORDS
VIDEO 252 - A VERY "COUNTRY" ACCORDION SOUND
VIDEO 253 - SOME METHODS FOR A TOUCH OF MISTY SWING
VIDEO 254 - THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT EMPHASIS
VIDEO 255 - EMPHASISING THE "WRONG" NOTES FOR EXTRA EFFECT
VIDEO 256 - INTERESTING CHORDS AND A BLUESY TUNE
VIDEO 257 - USE YOUR SLIDING CHORDS THIS WAY TOO
VIDEO 258 - WHEN IT SOUNDS BETTER NOT SYNCHRONISING HANDS
VIDEO 259 - MAKE A SWEETER NON EMBARRASSING BASS SOUND
VIDEO 260 - PLAYING WITH A BACKING BAND (1)
VIDEO 261 - PLAYING AND SWINGING WITH A BACKING BAND
VIDEO 262 - PLAYING A DUET LIVE DEMONSTRATION
VIDEO 263 - HOW TO USE THE BELLOWS DETACHED OR SMOOTH
VIDEO EXAMPLES PAGE 8
VIDEO 264 - PLAYING WITH AN IRREGULAR BASS PATTERN
VIDEO 265 - YOUR OLDEST FAVOURITE TUNES CAN BE NEW
VIDEO 266 - SOME SPECIAL SOUNDING EASY BASS MOVES
VIDEO 267 - A SMOOTHER 12/8 BOLERO SOUND
VIDEO 268 - USE DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SMOOTH OR DETACHED NOTES
VIDEO 269 - PLAYING NOTES IN THE RIGHT ORDER IS NOT ENOUGH
VIDEO 270 - AN EASY WAY TO ESCAPE OOMPAH BASS
VIDEO 271 - DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN LAYER ACCORDION SOUNDS
VIDEO 272 - A VERY POPULAR ACCORDION TUNE IN 12/8
VIDEO 273 - REVERSE ADVICE TO PLAY WITH ONE FINGER!
VIDEO 274 - MORE NOT QUITE CONVENTIONAL WALTZES
VIDEO 275 - EASY BASS EXERCISES TO FREE YOUR LEFT HAND
VIDEO 276 - THE DANGER OF BASS GAPS INTERRUPTING TUNES
VIDEO 277 - AN EASY 2 BAR BASS PATTERN TO LEARN
VIDEO 278 - EASILY FIND AND PLAY SPECIAL ACCORDION HARMONIES
BIDEO 279 - USE BELLOWS CONTROL NOTE BY NOTE EASILY
VIDEO 280 - A SHORT EAMPLE OF NON REPETITIVE BASS
VIDEO 281 - NEW RHYTHM FROM AN EASY OLD NUMBER ONE
VIDEO 282 - NEW RHYTHM FROM AN EASY OLD - TWO - CALYPSO
VIDEO 283 - NEW RHYTHM FROM AN EASY OLD - LAMBADA
VIDEO 284 - THE LEAST USED SOUND ON OCTAVE TUNED ACCORDION?
VIDEO 285 - EASY TANGO BASS PLUS OPTIONAL EMBELLISHMENTS
VIDEO 286 - CELEBRATING OUR ITALIAN ACCORDION FRIENDSS
VIDEO 287 - LIGHTENING UP THE FIRST BEAT OF THE BAR
VIDEO 288 - EASILY ESCAPE THE CONSTANT REPEATING BASS HABIT
VIDEO 289 - SPICE UP YOUR WALTZ BASS WITH HALF BEATS
VIDEO 290 - HOW TO DO THIS CHORD LINKING BASS RIFF
VIDEO 291 - EASY SWING STYLE STRADELLA BASS PLAYING
VIDEO 292 - TREBLE KEYBOARD SCALES HOW DO THEY WORK
VIDEO 293 - SET THE BEATS OF THE BAR FREE TO GO ANYWHERE!
VIDEO 294 - EASY STEPS TOWARDS STRADELLA WALKING BASS
VIDEO 295 - MAKING GEORGIA AND SUNNY SIDE MORE INTERESTING
VIDEO 296 - A RIFF WITH THE SAME CHORD PRACTICE SESSION
VIDEO 297 - TWO EASY PARTS MAKE ONE INTERESTING SOUND
VIDEO 298 - A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS OF PLAYING A SHORT TUNE
VIDEO 299 - EASY WAYS OF DOING AND USING SYNCOPATION
VIDEO EXAMPLES NINE
VIDEO 300 - A PROBABLY CONTROVERSIAL BASS FINGERING GUIDE
VIDEO 301 - BE THE PLAYER AND THE CONDUCTOR
VIDEO 302 - ADDING EXTRA PARTS TO YOUR PLAYING
VIDEO 303 - GIVE YOUR AUDIENCE TIME TO THINK + BASS RUN
VIDEO 304 - REFRESHING YOUR TUNE WITH A NEW CHORD
VIDEO 305 - A PRACTICE SESSION ON RUNNING OUT OF AIR
VIDEO 306 - CREATING RICH HARMONIES WITH YOUR ACCORDION
VIDEO 307 - 6/8 AND 12/8 PLAYING 3 TUNES 2 PATTERN PRACTICES
VIDEO 308 - JAZZ WALTZ PATTERNS ARE NOT DIFFICULT
VIDEO 309 - GIVING YOUR OLD ACCORDION TUNES NEW LIFE
VIDEO 310 - MAJOR SCALE VARIATIONS IN THE BASS
VIDEO 311 - AN EFFECTIVE SMOOTH SOUNDING CHA CHA
VIDEO 312 - RICHER CHORD CHANGES WITH STILL EASY BASS
VIDEO 313 - THE LIVELY FREEDOM OF PLAYING WITH DRUMS
VIDE0 314 - WAS THIS HOW THEY PLAYED THOSE GREAT 40s/50s TUNES
VIDEO 315 - FOURTH BEAT TWIDDLY BITS AND BRAZIL SAMBA
VIDEO 316 - SYNCOPATION MADE LIGHT AND EASY
VIDEO 317 - MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR MUSIC
VIDEO 318 - IT MAY NOT BE THAT YOUR BASS IS TOO LOUD
VIDEO 319 - EASY METHODS TO A MORE EFFECTIVE SOUND
VIDEO 320 - WHAT IS A DISCORD AND WHY PLAY THEM
VIDEO 321 - ABSTRUSE BASS LINES THAT ARE SO EASY
VIDEO 322 - A SIMPLE TUNE CAN BE PLAYED WITH RESPECT
VIDEO 323 - RUBATO (BORROWED) TIME IS EVEN POSSIBLE WITH DRUMS
VIDEO 324 - PLAYING DISCO STYLE ON ACCORDION
VIDEO 325 - HOW TO PLAY RELAXED EASY LISTENING ON ACCORDION
VIDEO 326 - A SMOOTHER BUT STILL RELAXED ACCORDION
VIDEO 326 - MANY WAYS TO LET A COMPLEX TUNE STAND OUT
VIDEO 327 - A FULL SOUND BUT WITH SUFFICIENT BELLOWS
VIDEO 328 - MEANINGFULL SOUNDS FROM YOUR USUAL BASS BUTTONS
VIDEO 329 - MAKE A LIVELIER SOUND BY MOVING LESS!
VIDEO 330 - PLAY A TUNE ON BASS SO IT WORKS AS IF ON TREBLE
VIDEO 330 - VARY THOSE REPEATED NOTE PATTERNS TO SOUND NICER
VIDEO 331 - PLAY A NICE SWINGY BEAT ON ACCORDION
VIDEO 332 - HOW TO ALLOW YOUR LISTENERS TO HEAR THE DETAIL
VIDEO 333 - YOU CAN PLAY AMAZING SLIDING CHORDS
VIDEO 334 - GIVE YOUR FULL ATTENTION TO VERY ORDINARY TUNES
VIDEO 335 - A VERY SUBTLE CHORD DIFFERENCE THE 2ND INVERSION
VIDEO 336 - YOUR ACCORDION SUPERPOWER - USE IT WELL
VIDEO 337 - MINOR BASS RUNS YOU CAN DO AND TRY OUT
VIDEO 338 - A PERFECT AND EASY VARIATION FOR BLUEBERRY HILL
VIDEO 339 - PLAY THE SAME NOTE 9 TIMES IN SUCCESSION
VIDEO 340 - WELL I CAN TELL A WALTZ FROM A TANGO BUT..
VIDEO EXAMPLES 10.
VIDEO 341 - USING BEGUINE AND RHUMBA BASS PATTERNS
VIDEO 342 - AM I PLAYING IN THREE OR FOUR TIME BEATS TO THE BAR
VIDEO 343 - PIANO OR ACCORDION RIGHT HAND PLAYING DIFFERENCES
VIDEO 344 - INTEGRATE YOUR LEFT HAND WITHOUT SHAME
VIDEO 345 - AVOIDING REGULAR BASS PATTERNS IN PLAYING
VIDEO 346 - ESCAPE FROM ONE BAR BASS PATTERN PLAYING EASILY
VIDEO 347 - AM I PLAYING IN THREE OR FOUR TIME?
VIDEO 348 - OVERCOMING PIANO AND ACCORDION DIFFERENCES
VIDEO 349 - INTEGRATE YOUR BASS BUTTONS WITHOUT SHAME
VIDEO 350 - AVOIDING REGULAR BASS PATTERNS
VIDEO 351 - EASILY ESCAPE FROM ONE BAR BASS PATTERNS
VIDEO 352 - A TUNE WITH A UNIQUE BASS PATTERN
VIDEO 353 - WELL I GUESS THAT'S HOW THEY INVENTED JAZZ
VIDEO 354 - IT'S EASY TO DO EXTREME CHORD CHANGES