DADGAD Tuning for the Ornament Waltz

Welcome back! Today we're diving into DADGAD tuning for the Ornament Waltz. This piece features a simple melody with light accompaniment. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Fingering and Chords

• Building Fingering:

  • The melody is played across multiple strings while other chord tones sound simultaneously.

• Careful Attention:

  • In measure 9, be cautious as things start to get complex.
  • Measure 10 features a moving inner line.

B Section Introduction

• At measure 19, we transition into the B section:

  • The chord is a BB flat major 7 with an add 13.
  • Focus on playing the melody with the bass note while incorporating some inner voices.

• Fingering Tips:

  • Finger the upper strings and then reach for the lower string to play the B flat.
  • Prepare the entire bar with your pinky at the beginning, as there won't be time for changes.

Accompaniment Parts

• In measure 26, avoid adding the fifth string to ensure smooth arpeggiation.
• Notice how I anticipate the chord with the bass note. I'll play that section again at 31.

Important Exercises

• Be mindful of measure 34, as it features a C bass note which offers a good exercise.
• After measure 34, we da capo (dc) and return to the beginning, ensuring it is played in a swung, jazz waltz style.

Advanced Techniques

• When you play the third time at measure 37, remember:

  • Instead of ascending a chromatic scale on a single string, take advantage of two adjacent scale tones.

• Moving into measure 39:

  • This features an E9 chord transitioning to an E flat 7 over an A.

Further Sections

• Let's play measure 43 up to speed again.
• In measure 46, there's a little bend to emphasize.

Exploring Voicings

• I particularly enjoy the E minor voicings in DADGAD, transitioning to F sharp 7.
• In measure 49, notice the pivoting to maintain the bass note.

Harmonics and Fingering

• At measure 50, incorporate harmonics with the picked bass note.
• Be careful in measure 51 with fingering ? it's all notated for clarity.

Sliding and Melody Positioning

• In measure 54, slide down on that diminished tonality.
• Measures 55 and 59 showcase the melody line spread out wide; watch for those glissandi.

Chord Transitions

• Ensure proper fingering from B minor 7 to D7. Use your fourth finger on the fourth string for these transitions.

Coda Preparation

• As you go into the coda, prepare for a slight variation:

  • Instead of the regular progression, I'm using a seventh flat nine (just a flat nine, actually) and then transitioning to E9.

• In measure 74, notice the movement up by minor thirds on the diminished tonality, culminating in a clean D chord at the end.

Final Thoughts

It's crucial with this tune to:

• Embrace the Swing: Allow the tempo to breathe and let the rhythm flow.
• Focus on Ornamentation: Think about it as adding filigree, giving it a festive mood.

Enjoy practicing the Ornament Waltz!