Irish Bouzouki

Finger Exercises by Vincent Fogarty

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:18:00 +0000

This is an old post but I think these exercises I got from Vincent Fogarty are worth to try them.

Back in 2019 I got in contact with Vincent Fogarty, a bouzouki player from Tipperary, Ireland. Some yeas ago he recorded an album with a band called The Red Wellies. I'm not sure if it is available somewhere.

At the bottom I will include some videos of the Red Wellies.

Vincent sent me some short video clips in which he shows some finger exercises. He kindly allowed me to post them here, too. Many thanks, Vincent!

He writes about these exercises:

These are exercises I did every day for about six months about 25 years ago. They are challenging but the results are well worth the work. The idea is to start slow and get the notes clear and in time. Keep your pick tight to the string don’t make your movements too big. This will do wonders for your pick and finger coordination. The exercises can be done as four finger three finger or two finger using any end of the fretboard as the start. Starting yesterday I’ve decided to do these again over the next few months. If you think they would be good to post then do so that’s fine by me. Good luck with them.

Clip No. 1

He writes about this clip:

In the first clip I have my capo at the 7th fret. I start with my pinky on the 15th fret of my highest string Start with a down stroke then an up stroke then down then up etc. alternating. Tab is. 15-14-13-12. When you get to fret 12 place your pinky finger on fret 14 then play from there in descending frets/notes. Tab 14-13-12-11 etc until you get to your capo. Then March your fingers back up the frets to 15. Then descend on the next highest string starting with your ring finger on the 14th fret. Pay attention to your picking here. Then descend on that string then the next string then the next string. Then you can start on the lower course and work your way high.

Clip No. 2

He writes about this clip:

In this clip I play a four note exercise that moves vertically on the fretboard. When you get to the bottom series of 15-14-13-12 you put your pinky on fret 14 which moves your hand one fret then you descend vertically. When you get to the top 14-13-12-11 you place your pinky on the 13 fret and this moves your hand forward again etc.

Clip No. 3

This clip refers to video 2. Vincent writes about it:

This is what my right hand looks like. Start att of the exercises with a down stroke.

Clip No. 4

Vincent writes about this exercise:

This exercise is a linear moment that also descends and ascends.

Clip No. 5

Vincent writes about this exercise:

This exercise is good for developing finger strength and control of your pinky. It’s a two note run starting lower and ending at the fifteenth fret.

Clip No. 6

I did this as a three finger exercise. It also has a linear movement. I’ve also moved the capo to fret five so as to have more fretboard. As I move I also alternate fingers. Pointer finger ring finger pinky frets 689. Then I move too the next lowest string and use fingers pointer middle finger and pinky on frets 7810. I alternate this pattern as I descend and ascend.

Clip No. 7

Vincent writes:

Hi Frank the last clip is my right hand. I’m trying to show how tight I keep the pick to the strings.

The clips I sent will help with your speed but they are more so directed at pick/finger coordination.

The Red Wellies:

Here are some videos I found on youtube:

The Red Wellies play Dr. O'Neill's and Tom Billy's at a house concert in Atlanta:

Beanie Odell -Fiddle Duncan Wickel -Fiddle Vincent Fogarty -Bouzouki

Carter Center farmers market, freedom Parkway

A set of favorite reels:The Road to Garrison (composed by Maurice Lennon-also commonly known as The Godfather);House of Hammil (Ed Reavy);Hounds of Letterfrack (might really be Martin O'Connor's Clog)

New CD: Tracy Ryan & Ryan O'Donnell - Fairy Island

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sun, 10 May 2026 13:10:00 +0000

Tracy Ryan & Ryan O'Donnell live near Newport in County Tipperary. Tracy is a singer and plays Flute and Whistle, Ryan plays Banjo, Bouzouki and Guitar. Together they recorded an album full of beautiful songs and tunes with lots of bouzouki on it.

You can listen to 3 songs on bandcamp, where you can buy it also.

Here's a little teaser of the album:

And another video I found on YouTube:

And another one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBxcpBFReMM

Inisheer Lesson by Robin Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:46:00 +0000

Robin Jones just release a new lesson for bouzouki. The well known tune Inisheer in a beautiful arrangement. You can watch Part 1 here. Part 2 can be obtained from his website. If you subscribe for a monthly fee you get all his previous videos for free which is a fantastic offer.

The Session Trad Tune Explorer

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Wed, 06 May 2026 17:23:00 +0000

Did you ever have a tune in mind but forgot it's melody? This is a fast helper for you. Open the website and type in the name of the tune. You'll get a picture of the first 3 bars of the tune. From there you can start playback and listen to the tune or open the whole notation.

Ye Lovers All - Tutorial by Kevin Elam

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:58:00 +0000

Kevin Elam just posted a Lesson in which you can learn his accompaniment to the Song "Ye Lovers All", an emigration song which has been sung by a lot of artists.

These are the lyrics as sung by the Chieftains

Ye lovers all both great and small
Who dwell in Ireland
Oh I pray you pay attention
Whilst I my pen command
It was my father's anger
That drove my love away
But I still have hopes
We'll meet again in North Americay

My love he was fair and handsome
And to him I gave my heart
Ah but little was our notion
That we would ever part
It was in my father's garden
That this flower it did decay
But I still have hopes twill bloom again
In North Americay

Now I did not want for money
Kind fortune on me shone
So out of my father's castle
I took five hundred pounds
It was in the town of Belfast
My passage I did pay
And then set sail across the sea
To far Americay

Now the captain's wife was kind to me
As you may understand
And she kept me in her cabin
Until we reached dry land
It was in the town of Quebec
We landed on the cay
But I knew not where to seek my love
In all Americay

Now I being sick and sore and tired
Well I went into an inn
And it was there I found my William
The lad I loved within
He took me gently by the hand
And to me he did say
Oh I never thought I'd see your face
In North Americay

Now I hear this couple has got wed
As you may understand
And I hear they live quite happily
In a town they call St. Johns
And the money that she took from home
Well in gold she paid it down
And they think no more of Ireland
Nor Enniskillen town.

More Information on Mudcat.org

Steeplechase - CD Release Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:26:00 +0000

Steeplechase are Hanz Araki (flutes, vocals), Zach Bauman (bouzouki), Sam Vogt (guitar, whistle), and David Lofgren (bodhrán).
This is a video of their CD release concert from May 1st 2026.

You'll find more information about the band here.

This is what they write about their album "Far From Home" which is available as vinyl, cd and download from their website:

"From the Pacific Northwest comes a new album of traditional Irish and Scottish fare, Far From Home, the debut from quartet Steeplechase. Recorded at Sage Arts, truly a cathedral to music in Arlington, Washington, Far From Home is a self-produced ten track collection of songs and sundry dance tunes performed on Irish flute, penny whistle, Irish bouzouki, guitar, and bodhrán. The album was engineered by Jordan Cunningham, and mixed by legendary guitar-player and Lúnasa founding member Donogh Hennessy in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

Steeplechase (Hanz Araki, flutes, vocals; Zach Bauman, Irish bouzouki, vocals; Sam Vogt, acoustic guitars, low whistle; David Lofgren, bodhrán) played to their strengths and set out to create an album that hews closely to their live performances. They are at home with the music of Scotland and Ireland and feel no pressure to reinvent the wheel. This philosophy comes from a deep well of respect for the generations of musicians who came before them. This album is both a message of gratitude to their many influences as well as a contribution to this beloved genre."

Killeagh (Kingfishr) - Irish Bouzouki Lesson - Robin Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:07:00 +0000

Robin Jones did a tutorial on how to play Killeagh by Kingfishr. Lovely accompaniment with melody lines. Part 1 is for free, Part 2 can be obtained from his website.

Sam Cormier’s reel - Accompaniment by TopScoreMusic Academy Declan Plummer

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sat, 02 May 2026 15:03:00 +0000

Once a week, every Tuesday, Declan Plummer of TopScoreMusicAcademy, brings his live stream on youtube where he tries to work out an accompaniment to a tune he hasn't accompanied so far. The latest tune he worked on was Sam Cormier's Reel, composed by Denis Lanctot.

He always uses Video recordings by Fiddler Olivia Barrett. She plays this Reel in E, which seems to be the key in which Denis Lanctot composed it, although it seems that most musicians play it in D.

Here you'll find the short version of Declan playing Whistle and Bouzouki

This is the whole video, it's very long but it's interesting to watch how he developes his accompaniments.

This is the video of the final run through all the ideas, but without the melody played so you can listen to the accompanyment.

I made a tab out of his ideas which you can download here. First Line Melody from thesession, second line Declan's accompaniment.

Luke Ward - Man Of The House Reel - Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:31:00 +0000

A new Lesson by Luke Ward on YouTube. The Man Of The House in Em played with Capo on 2nd Fret.

I posted more of his videos here if you might want to have a look

The tabs can be found on his patreon site here.

John Davies - Some Songs accompanied on the bouzouki

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:25:00 +0000

I just like to share a few videos by John Davies, a singer, guitar and bouzouki player. I did not find any information about him on the web.

Here' "Tippin it up to Nancy"

Crazy Love by Van Morrison

Rambling Rover by Andy M. Stewart

Holmfirth Anthem, a tradtional Yorkshire folk song

If Not For You by Bob Dylan

Fairytale Of New York

"The Thumpatron" - Bodhrán Backing Tracks for Tune Practice by Michael Eskin

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:34:00 +0000

Michael Eskin, well known for his "ABC Transcription Tools" has now released a new tool for practice, "The Thumpatron", a collection of Bodhran Beats in different tempo. Jigs, Reels and Polka Rhythms are available. Unfortunately no Slides, Slip Jigs and Hornpipes. But a very handy tool it is for sure.

You can find "The Thumpatron" here.

This is his website where you can find his "ABC Transcription Tools"

John Doyle's long neck Bouzouki

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:56:00 +0000

John Doyle, well known for his driving guitar accompaniment is also a great bouzouki player. In this video John and the Kevin Muiderman, Luthier of Muiderman Guitars discuss the building of this fine instrument.

John's bouzouki has a very small 11 1/2" body widths, ultralightweight tops and a graphite composite bracing within. The top is made of Sinker Redwood, back and sides made of Ziricote.

Luke Ward - Lesson on how to play "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore"

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:43:00 +0000

Luke Ward has published a lot of fantastic videos on his Patreon Site. If you haven't checked them you should do it now.

Now he has shared another video on youtube for free. If you want the notation you can find it on his patreon.

This is my chordsheet which I shared here some time ago, not the one Luke plays. I added 2 verses Daoiri sings sometimes.

{t:Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore}

{st:Daoiri Farrell}

From [D]Derry quay we sailed a[G]way [D]

on the [C]twenty-[G/B]third of [D]May

We were [G]taken on [Am]board by a [D]pleasant crew,

bound [Am]for A[G]meri[C]kay

Fresh [G]water [Am]there we did [D]take on,

five [C]thou[G]sa[D]nd [G]gal[D]lons or [C]more

In [D]case we’d run short going to New [G]York

[D]far a[C]way from the [G]shamrock [D]shore.

So [D]fare thee well, sweet Liza [G]dear [D]

and like[C]wise unto [G/B]Derry [D]town

And [G]twice fare[Am]well to my [D]comrade boys

that [Am]dwell on that [G]sainted [Am]ground

If [G]fortune shall [Am]ever [D]favor me,

and [Am]I do have [G]money in [C]store

I’ll go [D]back and I’ll wed the wee lassie I left

on [C]Paddy’s green [G]shamrock [D]shore.

Oh at [D]six o'clock on that [D]morning fair

our [C]anchors [G/B]we did [D]weigh,

The [G]sun shone [Am]down on Ben[D]evassa’s rocks,

how [Am]splendid [G]he did [C]play,

And green [G]castles, [Am]ancient [D]fort and church,

oh it [Am]made my [G]heart so [C]sore,

But these [D]memorys still I will hold very dear

when I‘m a[C]way from the [G]Shamrock [D]Shore.

And then at [D]12 o'clock on that [D]evening fair

we [C]passed out [G/B]Malin [D]Head,

And then [G]Inishtra[Am]hull far [D]on to the right,

it [Am]rose of the [G]ocean [C]bed.

But a [G]grander [Am]sight we [D]all did see there,

that I [Am]never had [G]seen be[C]fore

It was the [D]sun going down between sea and sky,

far [C]out from the [G]Shamrock [D]Shore.

We sailed three weeks, we were all seasick,

not a man on board was free

We were all confined unto our bunks

and no-one to pity poor me.

No father dear nor mother kind

to lift up my head, which was sore

Which made me think more on the lassie I left

on Paddy’s green shamrock shore.

We safely reached the other side

after fifteen and twenty days,

We were taken as passengers by a man

and led round in six different ways,

Then each of us drank a parting glass,

in case we might meet no more

And we drank a health to old Ireland

and Paddy’s green shamrock shore.

Matt Heaton - Thoughts on using a capo

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:36:00 +0000

In this video Matt shares his thoughts on using a capo, which is an essential helper when playing the bouzouki.

Robin Jones - Daily Routine - Left and right hand practice

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:01:00 +0000

Robin Jones talks about exercises that might help you to get better. Even if you think you know a lot of exercises you might find something new here. So you really have a look at this.

To help me remember the exercises better and look them up whenever I need to, I sat down today and wrote them out in tablature format. You can download this as a PDF here.

Slip jig set: Na Ceannabhain Bhana/Wheels of the World/Dever the Dancer

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:32:00 +0000

Now here's a beautiful set of slipjigs played by Gregor Harvey. Keep an eye on his YouTube Channel too.

Robin Jones - about Picks, Capos, Strings etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:52:00 +0000

In this video Robin Jones talks about essential gear for Bouzouki players. A must-look at for beginners.

Pigeon on the Gate Reel - Practice Irish Traditional Music With Me - Tuesday 10 March - Declan Plummer

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:57:00 +0000

This weeks tune in Declan's "Practice with me" series is the reel "Pigeon On The Gate", in E-Dorian. Watch Declan finding an arrangement for this tune. By the way he shares some tips and tricks on finding counterpoint melodies.

Beth Patterson at the New Orleans Jazz Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:45:00 +0000

This is a one hour live performance of Beth Patterson, a fantastic bouzouki player from Louisiana.

"Beth Patterson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Lafayette, Louisiana, best known for her mastery of the eight- and ten-stringed Irish bouzouki. Described as a blend of "a cobra and a puppy," her performance style—which she calls "SWAP" (Songwriter/World/Acoustic/Progressive)—merges Celtic traditions with progressive rock and global ethnic influences.

Patterson's diverse background includes classical oboe, Cajun bass, and formal studies in ethnomusicology at University College Cork. Her prolific career spans nine solo albums and appearances on over 200 recordings. Her work has reached global audiences via the BBC and NPR, and she has performed in over 20 countries. Beyond the stage, she has contributed to film soundtracks (including The One-Eyed King) and even appeared in Spinal Tap II."

Text made with AI

Dónal Lunny discusses his evolution through Irish music (Belfast 2004)

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:32:00 +0000

This rediscovered 2004 interview from Belfast offers a rare and intimate look into the life of Dónal Lunny, a foundational figure who fundamentally reshaped the landscape of Irish traditional music. Spanning a career that began in the 1960s, the footage captures Lunny’s transition from a young musician in Tullamore to a visionary producer and founding member of legendary ensembles like Planxty and Moving Hearts.

Innovation Meets Tradition

The interview highlights Lunny’s role as a pioneer of musical evolution. Key themes include:

Instrumental Revolution: His discovery and adaptation of the bouzouki, which introduced a distinctive harmonic depth to Irish folk.
Iconic Collaborations: Insights into his work with heavyweights such as Christy Moore and The Clancy Brothers.
Evolution of Sound: His perspective on the shift from analog to digital recording and his unique philosophies on music production.

A Catalyst for Change

Beyond simple melodies, the discussion delves into Lunny’s commitment to social change. Through Moving Hearts, he helped merge traditional sounds with contemporary political messages, bridging the gap between folk roots and modern world music. His approach wasn’t just about preservation; it was about moving the genre forward while maintaining its soul.

Historical Significance

For cultural historians and fans alike, this footage serves as a "masterclass" in Irish musical history. It documents the technical and artistic shifts that allowed Irish folk to survive and thrive in a modern context. Lunny’s story is more than a biography; it is a roadmap of how tradition can be innovated without being lost.

(Text made with AI)

The Otter's Holt Reel - Practice Irish Traditional Music With Me - Declan Plummer

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:38:00 +0000

Declan Plummer offers regularly practice videos where he shows his approach to accompanying tunes. They usually last for about two hours, a long time watch. But worth it. He also shows the software he uses and gives a lot of insights. This time he uses the Reel "The Otter's Holt", a well known session favourite.

As audio he uses a video by Olivia Barret, who kindly gave him permission to use her videos. Maybe you want to have a look at her bandcamp site.

Declan's Top Score Music Academy can be found here

At 1hr 14sec he tries out some countermelodic parts

When watching the video I found a passage where he is reminded of the song "Hotel California" and shows some chords for the song. Here they are:

Matt Heaton - New Bouzouki Lesson on YouTube: Break the First Position Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:39:00 +0000

Now this is an important lesson not only for newbies on the bouzouki. Lots of possibilities to play chords up the neck. Now let's practice! You'll find most of these and lots more on this blog here:

McIntyre's Fancy Jig - Practice Irish Traditional Music With Me - TopMusic Academy

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:25:00 +0000

Another "Practice with me" Video from Duncan Cameron. He develops piece by piece an accompaniment for the tune "McIntyre's Fancy", a Jig in ADorian. He uses capo at 7th fret. The video he refers to is by Olivia Barrett.

Don't forget to have a look at his website: www.topscoremusicacademy.com

Session Etiquette for beginners

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:58:00 +0000

A short video about things to consider when going to an Irish Music Session. Worth a look.

Donal Lunny - A video about his influences in Irish Music

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Bouzouki) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:54:00 +0000

There's no doubt about the huge influence that Donal Lunny had on Irish Folk Music during the last decades. This is a new video about Donal on YouTube.