In this lesson, you’ll learn the reel “Anything for John Joe.” It’s what is often called a “half reel” or “single reel,” meaning there are only 16 measures in the whole tune. Marla starts by playing “Anything for John Joe” through a couple times and then takes it apart slowly, phrase by phrase.
Introduction to Polkas |
Introduction to Polkas, Part 1 |
In this introduction to the Irish polka, Marla gives you some background on how the polka found its way to Ireland as well as how to get the feel of the polka on the mandolin. They have fewer notes than reels or hornpipes but they have a distinctive lift and drive with an emphasis on the upbeat that makes them fun to play. Marla shows you her right-hand picking pattern for playing the polka rhythm and shows you how she sometimes simplifies some of the melodic details in order to maintain the the lift of the polka on the mandolin.