Guitar - DADGAD
Instructor: David Morrissey
Guitar - DADGAD
Instructor: Dacid Morrissey
Course Description:
Level: 2 – 3 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Medium to advanced level class in DADGAD guitar.
Even if DADGAD tuning is totally new to you, it can be pretty easy to make new pleasing sounds quickly. However there are new chord shapes which may be a challenge to less experienced players. DADGAD’s open A, D and G strings are the same as in standard tuning! That means 50 percent of this tuning is completely familiar. The evocative and enigmatic sound of DADGAD is one of the guitar’s best-kept secrets and is a great way to elevate your songs or tune accompaniment.
Please bring a tuner and a capo.
David Morrissey
Dave is from County Kildare, Ireland. He began his musical career playing in rock bands around Ireland but traditional music soon took over for him. After experimenting with many different alternate tunings for his songwriting he found that DADGAD tuning was the sound he was looking for.
Listening to bands like Planxty and the Bothy Band inspired him to explore the rhythmic possibilities in Irish music. Dave has developed a percussive and complimentary style of playing which has been described as the "engine" of sessions.
Based in Dublin and Galway, Dave has played with some of the top names in Irish music such as Frankie Gavin and Maurice Lennon. Now living in Calgary,
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.