Simple Chord Melody
Technique – Non‐Theory Based

CHRIS WESSEL

This is a non-theory based “nuts and bolts” workshop approach to playing chord melody. We will cover the various forms of music you are likely to encounter and identify the best type to use for chord melody play. We will review how to translate written music melody to the fretboard, and how the chords can be played to accompany the melody. The technique will work in all tunings and there will be handouts to help guide you through your instrument’s melody and chording. The last part of the workshop will concentrate on learning a tune as a way of demonstrating this simple method of play, and help you move to the next level.

Variations on fiddle tunes: How to play fiddle tunes/make your own variations on tenor guitar.

GRANT FLICK

There are lots of ways we can tenor guitarify melodies, and we'll look at some idiomatic techniques/strategies that work well on tenor. This could evolve into a bigger discussion/exploration of melodic development outside of fiddle tunes, depending on student interest. I'll be playing in fifths but all tunings are welcome.

Tenor Guitar: A Four-Stringer's Journey

MATT WEINER

Join Matt as he recounts his journey on his beloved second instrument, the tenor guitar. With an eye toward overcoming common obstacles to learning the instrument, he might discuss: tips for beginners, shortcuts, picking, practice routines, the mental battle of 5ths tuning or anything else. Bring your questions, your comments, and your open minds.

Balkan Folk Music 101 for Tenor

 PAT MacSWYNEY

Looking to spice up your Tenor beyond do-re-mi major scales and common 4/4 rhythms? In this workshop, Pat will break down the seemingly complex time signatures and exotic Near Eastern scales/modes of traditional music from the SW European Balkans, (Romani, Macedonian, Greek, Bulgarian, etc.) in a way that will make sense to everyone… and yes, this means you. For melody players, we will cover a few core makams (modes/scales) common throughout the Balkans, and learn a few traditional melodies and basic improvisation within makams like Hijaz: D Eb F# G A Bb C D. For chord players, we will learn to chord a few “complex” rhythms and have you rocking in 7 & 9 like a Balkan goatherd. The workshop is open to all tenor tunings and extends an open invite to any wind, string or percussion players who might want to join in and learn something new.

How to Create Solos

Hall of Fame inductee 2024

TIM MAY

Tremolos, neighbor notes, double stops, cross picking, minor blues, major blues, and more! Hands on – lots of playing. Chicago tuning – D-G-B-E.

Jazz Improvisation on The Tenor Guitar (Fifths Tuning)

TYLER JACKSON

Immerse yourself in the world of jazz improvisation on the tenor guitar with our unique workshop tailored for players exploring the fifths tuning. This workshop is designed to elevate your musical journey by focusing on the distinctive nuances and techniques associated with jazz improvisation on the tenor guitar, particularly in fifths tuning. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just beginning your musical exploration, this workshop offers a hands-on experience to enhance your improvisational skills, delve into the intricacies of jazz phrasing, and discover the expressive possibilities that the tenor guitar in fifths tuning brings to the world of jazz. Join us for an enriching session that blends theory with practical application, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for jazz improvisation on the tenor guitar.

Tenor and 5 String Tenor Guitar. Access to the Tonic

Inducted Hall of Fame 2016

LOWELL "Banana" LEVINGER

My instrument when performing solo is my 5 string tenor guitar which is basically a tenor guitar tuned C G D A with an added low F string. This allows me to accompany myself and gives me access to the root tonic in the popular keys of G and A and Bb. So, I can go boom chick using the root as the bass note. With just 4 strings of the tenor guitar, this is not possible.
However, in my workshop, I’ll demonstrate some tenor guitar finger picking stuff without using the low 5th string. I’ll also give tips on ‘throwing in licks” instead of just strumming and throwing in strums while soloing to ‘back yourself up’.
For me, it’s all about the lyrics, and it’s all-out the groove. And it’s all about the bass. But I don’t have the luxury of being a bass player a lot of the time so I have to incorporate it’s feeling into my arrangements. I’ll sing a few songs, and of course, answer questions.

Chord Melody Arrangements Without the Music Theory!

 BARON COLLINS-HILL

We all love the sound of a solo arrangement of a song or tune played on the tenor guitar, but how do you get all that sound to come out of one instrument? In this workshop, Baron will go over everything you need to know to build chord melody arrangements on your instrument without getting bogged down in music theory. The only requirement to take this workshop is knowing G, C, and D chords on your instrument. If you also have a G scale under your fingers, that's even better but not entirely necessary. Baron will also cover some more advanced chord melody techniques at the end of the workshop for those interested, but this can also be an opportunity to sit back and listen while gaining some inspiration to take your playing to the next level. This workshop is open to all experience levels and all tunings.

Adapting the tenor guitar to Irish music - with reference to Airs, Harp Music, Set Dances, Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, and Polkas - GDAE tuning

GERRY CARTHY

 A quick chat about different tune types in Irish Music e.g. Jigs, reels, hornpipes, slow airs. A scale exercise In D and G - which Illustrate the underlying patterns of the tunes especially as they relate to rhythm in Irish music. I will teach a Kerry polka - maybe two if there's time.  We will explore using chords in slow airs followed by question time