How to Play Celtic Guitar

Playing Celtic guitar is like painting with sound, incorporating the rolling rhythms and intricate melodies found in the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland. It’s not just about mimicking the classic tunes, but also about capturing the spirit of the music itself. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can start playing Celtic guitar, from understanding the unique tuning styles to mastering the characteristic strumming patterns.

The Unique Tuning Styles of Celtic Guitar

One of the first things you'll notice about Celtic guitar is its use of alternate tunings. The most popular tuning is DADGAD, which provides a droning sound that's perfect for Celtic music. This tuning allows for open strings to ring out and creates a rich, resonant backdrop that complements the melodies played on top.

To tune your guitar to DADGAD:

• Lower your sixth string to D
• Lower your second string to A
• Lower your first string to D

Once you've got your guitar in DADGAD, try playing around with simple chord shapes. You'll find that many of the standard chord shapes from standard tuning don't apply here, which can be a bit of a learning curve but also a great opportunity to explore new sounds.

Another popular tuning in Celtic music is open C (CGCGCE). This tuning is less common but offers a similarly rich and full sound. Experimenting with these tunings can unlock new melodic ideas and help you tap into the Celtic sound.

Understanding Celtic Rhythm Patterns

Celtic music is known for its lively rhythms and intricate strumming patterns. Unlike some other genres, where you might focus on steady downstrokes or alternate picking, Celtic guitar often calls for a more fluid and dynamic approach to rhythm.

Start with a basic jig rhythm, which is typically in 6/8 time. The rhythm can be thought of as a series of triplets, with an emphasis on the first and fourth beats:

1 2 3 4 5 6  
D   U D   U D

This pattern can be adapted and varied to fit different tunes, but the key is to maintain a sense of flow and movement. Practice playing along with recordings of traditional jigs to get a feel for the timing and dynamics.

Reels, on the other hand, are typically in 4/4 time and feature a more straightforward strumming pattern. Start with a simple down-up strumming pattern and gradually add accents and variations to mimic the intricate rhythms of the music.

Incorporating Ornamentation and Grace Notes

One of the most distinctive features of Celtic music is the use of ornamentation, which adds nuance and expressiveness to melodies. Grace notes, trills, and slides are common ornaments that can be used to embellish a basic melody line.

To practice grace notes, start by playing a simple melody and experiment with adding quick, short notes just before the main notes of the melody. These should be subtle and not overpower the main melody, adding a touch of flair and complexity.

Trills involve rapidly alternating between two adjacent notes and can be used to add excitement and energy to a phrase. Listen to traditional recordings to hear how these ornaments are typically used and practice incorporating them into your playing.

Exploring Fingerstyle Techniques

Fingerstyle playing is a major component of Celtic guitar, allowing for intricate melodies and harmonies to be played simultaneously. This technique involves using your fingers to pluck the strings rather than a pick, which can provide a more nuanced and dynamic sound.

Start by practicing simple arpeggios and fingerpicking patterns. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed and your movements controlled. As you become more comfortable, experiment with adding melodies and bass lines to your fingerpicking patterns.

One effective exercise is to practice playing scales using fingerstyle. This will help you build coordination and dexterity while also familiarizing yourself with the notes and intervals used in Celtic music.

Composing Your Own Celtic Tunes

Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, try your hand at composing your own Celtic tunes. Start with a simple melody and build upon it by adding harmony and rhythm. Use the alternate tunings and ornamentation techniques you've practiced to give your music an authentic Celtic feel.

Consider the structure of traditional Celtic tunes, which often feature a repeating AABB pattern. This structure allows for plenty of room to develop your melody and explore variations on the theme.

Experiment with combining different rhythmic patterns and exploring the interplay between melody and harmony. The goal is to create something that feels both fresh and rooted in tradition.

Listening and Learning from Celtic Masters

Listening to traditional Celtic music is an invaluable way to immerse yourself in the style and understand its nuances. Artists like Tony McManus and John Doyle are renowned for their innovative approaches to Celtic guitar, and their recordings are a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge.

Pay attention to how these musicians use dynamics, rhythm, and ornamentation to bring their music to life. Try to mimic their techniques and incorporate them into your own playing. Over time, you'll develop your own voice and style within the Celtic tradition.

Joining a Celtic Music Session

One of the best ways to improve your Celtic guitar playing is to participate in a traditional music session. These gatherings are a great opportunity to play with other musicians, learn new tunes, and experience the communal aspect of Celtic music.

Don't worry if you're a beginner; most sessions are welcoming to musicians of all skill levels. Bring a few tunes that you've been working on and be willing to listen and learn from others. The more you play with others, the more you'll develop your ear and your ability to play in an ensemble.

Making Use of Online Resources

There are countless online resources available to help you learn Celtic guitar, from video lessons to tablature archives. Sites like Riffhard offer lessons from some of the world's best guitarists, providing valuable insights and techniques that can be applied to Celtic music.

Look for lessons that focus on rhythm guitar techniques, as these will be particularly relevant to the strumming and picking styles used in Celtic music. Use the interactive features and downloadable tabs to practice at your own pace and develop your skills.

Final Thoughts

Playing Celtic guitar is a rewarding journey that combines technical skill with creativity and expression. By exploring alternate tunings, mastering rhythmic patterns, and incorporating ornamentation, you can capture the essence of Celtic music in your playing. Whether you're learning from traditional sessions or taking advantage of online resources like Riffhard, remember to enjoy the process and let the music inspire you.