Celtic Guitar Masterclass with Anton Emery Arranging Celtic Music For Guitar
Welcome to Guitarbench Issue Four and the next instalment of the Celtic Guitar
column. In this edition I want to look at the process I use when arranging tunes and talk about a simple arrangement of the South Wind. Arranging Celtic music for guitar can be a very satisfying endeavour. Many of these beautiful melodies are hundreds of years old, if not older. How can we respect the tradition of the music while giving them a new and fresh voice on the guitar? Let’s look at some basic musical and technical considerations. 1. Step away from the guitar. Once I hear a tune I want to arrange, I will find a recording of it on one of the traditional instruments. Usually that is something like the fiddle, flute, pipes or whistle. Ideally I like to listen to a fairly stripped down arrangement, just an instrument or two. It’s easier for me to hear the melody and what is going on. 2. Listen, listen, listen. I put the track on my iPod and in my car and, play it over and over. I want to get the melody ingrained in my ear to the point where I can hum or hear it without listening to the recording. Listening is also the best way to get the subtle lilt and rhythm of Celtic music under your skin.