OK! Finally we have one tune that has more yea votes than the others! Arkansas Traveler it is! Post your videos of the tune on this thread. Have at it Gang! Some tablature links: http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~eknuth/.../arkansas.html http://archive.mandolinsessions.com/feb09/Anthony.html Maybe some of the rest of you have tabs and links for this tune to share.
David Mort from Song a Week.
Michael Pastucha, Song a Week group.
http://www.nigelgatherer.com/tunes/tab/tab10/arktr.html Just adding this very nice tablature and midi from the Nigel Gatherer site. Should work very well for a straight forward version for Newbies. Karon
I found this one...because I like having the notes in front of me. http://mattraum.com/free-lessons/tun...ansas-traveler I tested the link..worked fine.
There is also a nice simple version by Tim O'Brien on Mandozine.com tabedit. I like it because it is mostly played i=in the middle range.
I never knew that was the song. My daughter has a Raffi CD where they play this but call it "Peanut Butter Sandwich".
This is one of the first songs I learned when I got my first mandolin. I had not played it in a while, so decided to give it a shot and see how much of it I remembered. I tripped a little, but this will serve as my baseline for this month, so see if I can improve it. Definitely no where near David's or Michael's versions!!!!!
Tony! Love getting up this morning and finding my coffee and my laptop and finding your baseline version of our July tune already up and running. GREAT start and I know you'll work on it and make those gains this month. I think that's what this is all about. Getting a baseline...memorizing a tune and then working, working till it slowly improves. Re Michael's and David's playing....they're a couple of my heros...they light my way up the path toward mando playing excellence. If I ever get halfway (heck, a quarter way) to their skill on one tune I'll be happy. I'm grateful for them every day. And by the way, there are so many excellent players (dozens) over on Song a Week and I just bless the day I found them. OH...and hat = A+
Excellent job Tony!
Nice playing Tony. I had trouble getting into your video yesterday but OK today. I have been playing through the song over the last few days trying to get it memorized.
Thanks all! I want to learn how to do a video with a backing track too, so will need to investigate how to do that.
Jeez, Tony, way to set the bar high! Two days into July and you've already nailed it!
Hi Ark Isle! As I mentioned in my post, this was one of the first tunes I learned when I got my first mandolin. Trust me, it took me more than 2 days to learn it when I did. Hopefully, I can improve it or try a different version of it before the end of the month.
I picked up the A part by ear way back when - would play it whenever there were kids around - it being the "Baby Bumblebee" song. (I'm sure there's moms that aren't so happy with the lyrics I taught ) never knew about the B part til a couple-three years ago. I'll have to put some time into learning the B part.
OK...having a rough time getting going on this one. It's not that it's so hard... Have to knuckle down here. How's everyone else doing with it?
I'm having a blast with it! I posted about finding one with notes..and decided I would find a neat one with just tabs..no notes..so I could learn to "read" them as well as I do music. I got it at strumhollow.com, and it's perfect for me...simple, very clear, with a tiny bit of neat stuff. I'm learning it on my guitar, too...
It's a nice little tune, I'm having trouble keeping a steady pace, when I get into the second part I keep speeding up. Not done a video yet as I've sold my iPhone and moved to an Android handset. Things is, the iPhone could stand up on its side, which meant I could put it on the table to record, the Android device is too thin! I Need to work something else out to record now
I am working away on my second version of the tune. My first version was the Tim O'Brien version and when I played it for my teacher, Don, he recommended a more basic version, being that the first was more complicated. So I started over yesterday. The new version is a nice version too, has a good bounce, and enough action in it to keep me intersted. I now need to bring it up to speed so that I can play along with the audio track that he sent. As usual, my continuing issue that I need to work on is timing and more drills are in order! If only I could figure out how to open the file!
OK...counted....7 missed notes and all throughout bad timing. Baaaaad. Just posting this to encourage Newbies who might think what they're doing isn't 'good enough' to put up a video. Come on! That's what this group is here for. Posting our efforts as we begin to learn mandolin. If we were doing perfect work at this point...why be in the Newbie group? We're here to encourage one another and help one another get over the fear of putting our 'self' on the line with the videos or MP3s or whatever. I'd love to see 10% of our group posting videos...that would be 46 people. Now we have half a dozen who will do them. Keep on pickin' and get the courage to 'be here.' BTW.. promise to have a better version up soon. Just started working on this tune and haven't spent much time on it. Obviously.
You are going a great job! I promise to post a video as soon as I get a webcam and learn how to do one. I posted a request for advice about a webcam, but haven't had any responses. I don't know what to buy.
Kristi...I can't offer any advise on this since I use the camera in my laptop to produce my videos. That and a Blue Snowball mic and that's the extent of my knowledge about it all. I edit my videos with Windows Movie Maker and post them online at Vimeo. Hope you get your answer soon!
I got a great answer on the camera question, and there are only about a zillion that would fill the bill. Again...must be budget-friendly, and there are about half a zillion that are budget friendly, so, I get to shop...lol. I hate shopping in the "real" world. I would rather do just about anything than go grocery shopping or something like that. I love shopping at Hobby Lobby, but that is the only place. Thank goodness for the internet..I can shop at home! My computer doesn't have a webcam...I didn't even know that computers come with those things...again..my doofusness is showing. Edited to add...I decided, after going through page after page of webcams, that I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow. Shopping online gave me a good idea of what I wanted, but I might be able to get a wee bit better deal if some of the webcams that are sold out online are available in store.
The B section keeps tripping me up. Also on the version I am using there seems to be an extra note on the second and fourth bar on the A section. It is a fifth fret on the E string twice. It sounds better once with a rest.
I know you were all waiting anxiously to find out if I did, indeed, buy a webcam I did! I just got back from Best Buy, and purchased a Logitech HD Webcam C525. I have NO idea at all about how to use it!! I will be spending the next couple of days or so learning how to do a video and learning how to post a video. I guess when I get a video done, I must click on that little insert video icon...sheesh...being a doofus can be frustrating...
Kristi...here are the steps for posting a video. Produce a video on your computer and store it where you can easily find it. (I just do mine with my laptop camera and then edit them through Windows Live Movie Maker that came with my laptop software.) Open an account at YouTube or Vimeo...(I prefer Vimeo...but whatever...both work). It's totally free and you can set them to no comments so people can't trash talk you...LOL. Lot's of beginner learners do this. People will ignore you over there on those sites. Upload you video to Vimeo or Youtube...it's really easy...just try it..you'll see. Open your uploaded video to play and copy the url for it. Come back here and hit the +Reply button. Hit the Insert Video icon (second from end of line of icons that start with bold, italic, underline etc.) Paste the url for your video in the box provided. Hit OK and it should put the video into your post.
Thank you SO much for the info! The video won't include my F model mandolin..I'm sending it back. I've had it for 11 days and I just don't like the way it sounds. My music shop guru said there is nothing wrong with it, set up is fine, it's completely in tune when I play it...I just don't like it. It sounds tinny and doesn't have much music in it. I will send it back and wait until I can afford a different one. I'm not happy about this, but there is no sense in having an F model, whatever the brand, if you don't like it and it sits in the closet. Even this one, which wasn't expensive, doesn't deserve that. I love my Oscar Schmidt guitars..both of them..incredible sound and all of that..but I must say I'm not too fond of the mandolin. I'll get all practiced up on wonderful Minna for Arkansas Traveler, and get the video done..and thanks again for the great information. I had NO idea how to do any of this stuff. I do know that my webcam will allow me to make myself look even funnier than usual...lol
That's to bad about your F style mandolin. Low priced F's are just not a good buy. You have to get up into at least a midrange instrument to get one that will have the sound that your looking for. Your better off staying with a good sounding A style. You and Minna seem to have a good relationship anyways. Two's company, three's a crowd! You don't want to upset your best gal.
Jake...it's just a hard thing to do, even though I've only had it a little while. I expected a bit more from the instrument, and that is probably because my guitars really are stellar, and I've been playing guitar a long time, including a lot of time on a Gibson L7..my dad's..so I know a tiny bit about what a guitar needs to sound like, although, I'm a real novice when compared to many others. Minna really does sing...every note is solid, even when played by a doofus. She is very forgiving. The F Model liked me, too...but I got frustrated, and, when that happens, goodbye isn't far off. I'm not going to bad-mouth the Oscar Schmidt folks..I probably just expected more than the instrument could deliver. I was anxious to learn on one, and let my impatience make the purchase for me. I'll try very hard to keep from doing that again. I'm glad I'm sending it back and I'm very sad about sending it back...sigh... Today I sent the F model back to Florida this morning. I wanted to get it done right away instead of thinking about it all day. I knew I wasn't going to play the mandolin, and it cost me too much to just look at the thing...lol. I sent the mandolin back and today, in the mail, came the handmade strap I ordered for it..lol. It's very nice, not expensive, made by a South Carolina local, and, when the time is right, I will have the mandolin for it. Minna's strap also came from this fella. It's nice to spend the money at home, so to speak. If I ever get the gee-golly chores done, (it's monthly keep the fleas down day..they are AWFUL this year), Minna and I will work on Arkansas Traveler. We started last night and she loves the song
Here it is..my very first video..ever! Needless to say...it's not too good, but I'm as new to the whole webcam thing as I am at the mandolin. I have been working with Minna on Arkansas Traveler, and I will also be working on making videos better so I don't look like such a dork. Anyway..I promised a video and here it is. Laughter is allowed, but no shrieks of hysterics, loud guffaws, or loud hooting!!....
KRISTI! I'll buy that!! Great job on your first video and you've done a great job on the tune. Next time will be easier and next even easier. Breathe a sigh of relief. The first video is history. I'm so glad you did it! Admit it...it was really fun...right? Karon
Kristi that was wonderful!
David, Michael, Tony, outstanding! Karon awesome! I hope I didn't miss anyone; all of you did terrific jobs!
Super job Kristi! That is some really clear video, so looks like you made a good choice of webcam. I can barely see your hands. Seems like I see a little of a "guitar" left hand. But hey, if it works, go for it!
Nicely done Kristi! You got on a roll there! A very good first video.
You are all SO kind! I was a nervous wreck!! I know..it's a little video and some bad mandolin playing..what's to be nervous about??...sheesh....I'm lucky I wasn't holding the thing upside down at some point! I was very pleased with the video as far as the webcam goes...I thought that both audio and video were fine. As far as my hands and the mandolin..I'll figure out where to put the camera so more of them and less of me shows next time. I position my hands so that I'm always using the "correct" finger for each note, according to my instruction books and dvd's. It's important to me, as I don't like staring at the fretboard while I play. I want to be able to read the music or tab and not worry about fingering, so I try very hard to keep them in the right place..makes it lots easier. Again..thank you all so much for the encouragement!! It really does help when trying something new..I appreciate it very much. Tony..I meant to add that the webcam I bought is the Logitech HD Webcam C525. Oh...and Karon..it wasn't fun at all...it was horrible..lol..but a learning experience is always a good thing.
Sorry it wasn't fun Kristi. Here's a tip I used to get accustomed to the videoing. I just turn my laptop camera on when I practice lots of times and let it run. So...it's doing it's thing and I sorta forget about it. Don't 'save' turning it on for when I think I can do a perfect take of my tune. I'll play my tune over and over...knowing that the last few minutes of play will probably have the best work ...then edit out all but last 5 to 10 minutes and look through that for something to keep. Helps me anyhow.
You would have laughed, Karon...my laptop doesn't have a camera. I didn't see needing one when I bought it. Now, I don't really "need" one..I just wanted one because seeing all of the videos that are posted here gave me the encouragement to do one myself. I knew I would be nervous..it's just me..I didn't care about the whole mandolin thing..I knew I would make mistakes, but I didn't make as many as I thought I would. I was WAY more anxious about people just seeing ME. I'm very self-conscious with new people. I even changed shirts to make sure I had a clean one on..lol..not that I'm in the habit of wearing dirty shirts..lol...just changed in case something showed that I wasn't aware of. I did three or four videos before I finally decided that the last one would do. I might start putting my camera on my laptop so I get accustomed to it being there, instead of getting it out when I need it. Do you think that might help...maybe I can do some of the stuff you do so I get used to that little red light being on?
This is what I can do with the song at this point. Wonder how everyone else is coming along with this tune. Pretty much have it memorized now so time to work hard on the timing. And hitting each note more cleanly. I want more videos!!!! NEED more videos of Newbies playing!!!
Yeah---if I can do it...believe me...anyone can..and should!! Those of you who haven't posted yet, it's a bit like walking on a bed of hot coals...but there are friends there to help you out and support you once it's done....lol
Still haven't sorted a replacement for my iPhone - the Android handset doesn't sit on its side the way the iPhone did. Also, last 10 days not had an instrument to play. Should be back on board in a day or so!
Looks like tonight I am going to put my head into this tune. I will report back with how I did. The first part goes ok, then the 2nd half gets a little crazy. Maybe by the weekend I will have a video to post here with my rendition.
I've made a video on my laptop, not the best. Poor lighting in the back room where I recorded and poor sound acoustics + built in mic and cam = a pretty poor video. I ran through the tune twice, first time running the tune one string lower than the TAB, second time, after a major false start, using the TAB as written. Is that transposing? Not sure, but I like to do it, I am not keen on tunes that spend a lot of time played on the 'E' string. I do like this tune, and have enjoyed practising it. BTW, there are some silly credits at the end of the clip, which I didn't know how to edit out!
Good job Jay! Nice clear sound and pace. You ran right through the three bars that are still giving me a head ache.
Really enjoyed that Jay! Sounds good to me. Don't really care about quality of the videos at this point. Just good to see folks working to increase their mando skills. Seems you nailed the tune to me. Thanks for posting it!! BTW....the 'credits' didn't bother me at all. I like them!
My attempt at Arkansas Traveller. I didn't have alot of time on this. I figured that I should post something before the end of the month. This recording is nothing fancy. Just me and Amandolin. http://soundcloud.com/jake-mando/arkansas-traveller Be gentle with me. With no back upntracks all my newbie-ness shows through!
Sounds good to me Jake! That's the exact version that I've worked on. I'll get my mando here in a bit and try to play along with you. Wish we could record us playing the tune together. You have nice steady timing here...I need to work more and more on that too. Can you ever post a video for us? I know...never enough for some people...huh?
Thanks Karon. I think recording together would be cool. One day we'll figure out a way to use this high tech junk, and we'll be able to do it. Everything I do is in an MP4 format. (whatever that means) When I save it on a CD most CD players can't even play it back. I'll figure it out one day. I might have to dig put a cassette player. Video?? Yikes! Maybe one day. That would another new technology for me to figure out? My I pad has a couple of camara's in it and I know it can shoot video. I'll work on it and maybe I'll get gutsy enough next month???
MP4 is generally a video format. Ordinarily MP4 wouldn't be supported on a CD player.
Im trying to post my first video here. Not sure how to take it from my mac movie and post it here. Any suggestions? Thank You Glen
