I went to my first Old-Time a jam last Sunday. I showed up with a big akward Dreadnaught, 'cause I mistakenly thought there would be more Bluegrass stufff happening. Instead I found a stoic, seated circle of Fiddler's and Clawhammer types. I apologized for bringing such a 'large box', and reconciled myself to an afternoon of simple strumming and the occasional bass walk. To my tastes, that's a fine thing on a Sunday afternoon - no breaks, pedestrian tempos, simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. The Fiddlers spent most of the time that afternoon in cross A tuning - AEae
How do you all tune for these Old-Time fiddle tunes? Do you follow the Fiddler's and retune along with them? Do any of you try to learn the tunes in standard? Do you keep a second mandolin tuned open at home?
Also, what sort of back up would the mandolin do, if say, I didn't know the tune, but wanted to play along on the mandolin? Better that I should just switch back to guitar at those moments?
I do think I made a good impression on the group by keeping my volume down, and staying conservative in my playing. It was a very nice group of people. I am excited about going back for the next jam, and would like to bring a mandolin. So, any preparatory tips are welcome.
- Benignus
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