Fiddling in Challenging Keys

Early on in this course, we mentioned that to use open string drums and achieve the real old-time country sound, you need to play Rayleigh in the keys of G, D, or A.

Unfortunately, singers don't always prefer these keys. They may present songs in:

• Ab
• F#
• G#

... or some other such monstrosity.

What's a Fiddler to Do?

You have two options:

1. Retune your fiddle: This is preferably done down a semitone or a tone, allowing you to play in an easier key.
2. Use the fiddle capo method: This technique does not involve applying anything to the fiddle itself; instead, it utilizes a specific playing technique.

The Fiddle Capo Method

Let's say we're in the key of F# major, which has six sharps and can seem daunting. Here's how to approach it:

• Place your first finger on the root note (F#).
• You're now in a sort of second position.
• Along with F#, place that finger on the note above it, which is C#. This creates our "capo."

Playing the Scale

If you play the following sequence:

• 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4

You will create the F# major pentatonic scale.

• If you add the flattened third, you get the F# major blues scale.

Remarkably, by keeping your first finger across both strings, you can drone on those notes. You aren't confined to just one octave; there are certain notes below and above your capo, allowing for creative play.

Example with Drums

This technique produces a sound reminiscent of old-fashioned country music, even in a challenging key. I strongly recommend that when performing this with other band members or an audience, you find a subtle way to demonstrate that you're doing something difficult, all while making it appear effortless.

Remember, if no one knows you're playing in F#, they won't appreciate your cleverness.

Improvisation Exercise

Let's finish off with a little phrase demonstrating improvisation using this method.

Here we go ? slowly at first:

1, 2, 3, 4... and with the drone.

Your Assignment

For this lesson, your assignment is to:

1. Use the F# backing track.
2. Start with simple exercises.
3. Progress to improvising over F#.

Try playing simple versions of:

• Red River Valley
• Yellow Rose of Texas
• Banks of the Ohio

...in F and even in G#.

Happy fiddling!