[mark1256]

Thank you @andrew and @ gi_gi_

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Thanks @Andrew. Please remove me from the list. I missed the first deadline.
Two reasons for not using the capo. First I don’t think I ever see it being used on the Uke. Second, I have difficulty in stretching and I thought it would give me some practice. I think that was achieved because I did gradually improve.

[mark1256]

Please do not include me in the drawing.

This is my final submission. My ultimate (revised) goal was to play Ashokan Farewell I the key of D without the use of a capo and have it sound as good as my capo version.
My tab was in C and I transposed it to D.
I think I’m getting close but still prefer the capo result.

[mark1256]

Here’s where I am:

After continued listening, I decided that this song needs emotion and playing at tempo just sounds too mechanical.
So in my first video below, I have tried to concentrate on tone and emotion. Hopefully without too much rubato. In this video I am still using a capo to play in D.

In this next video, I have removed the capo and am transposing the tab from C. I’m really getting a workout for my pinky. My goal is to sound as good as using the capo. Long way to go but I still have a couple days.

[mark1256]

My goal is to play this song in D by transposing the tab from C and removing the capo. See my last post. I am getting a workout on my pinky. I want to sound as good without capo as my last post. Let’s long way to go but I still have a couple days. Don’t think I will get it memorized.

[mark1256]

@gi_gi_ WOW!

[mark1256]

OK. Is it alright to change goals midstream?

I continue to listen to multiple versions of this song over and over (Ashokan Farewell).
The guitar version that I like keeps to 80 bpm. But as I continue to hear the fiddle versions, many are full of rubato, both slowing and speeding up. The emotion of this song just isn’t expressed in the guitar version that I’ve been working with. The fiddle songs all appear to be in the key of D. I’ve made the following changes to my goals.
1. I’m forgetting the 80 bpm, will probably be a little slower and use rubato.
2. I will play the song in the key of D without using the capo. I will transpose the tab I have from C to D. This is going to be much more difficult for me, especially since I had mastered the C tab.
3. Since I am spending my effort on the D tab and I’m running out of time, I will make memorization a secondary goal.

[mark1256]

@leb Thanks but I have a long way to go. Especially if I’m going to memorize it. Yes the dog is a fan but it’s hard to play with him on my lap lol.

[mark1256]

@nelsonlin2021 your doing great on Crossing Hemispheres. It’s one of my favorite songs of Matt.
I learned this when it first came out and had the same struggles with the tempo up the neck. After enough practice it finally came to me. You may want to try slowing it down a lot until it becomes more natural and then pick up the tempo. Have fun with it!

[mark1256]

I forgot to attach the link

[mark1256]

Here’s where I am after about 1 week. I am trying to play Ashokan Farewell at a tempo of 80bpm while still reading the tab. Music by Jay Unger and arranged by Spencer Gay.
Background: I had never heard this song before and was given the music and asked to teach to a couple friends. I have spent hours listening to different recordings. Tempo of the selections have ranged from approximately 55 bpm to a little over 80bpm. I decided I preferred the faster tempo.
My initial recording is working on that tempo using the original tab I was given. I plan on making some changes as I proceed, inspired by some of the recordings I have heard.

This recording is just the first half of the song. The second half is very similar with modified ending.

[mark1256]

@leb397 the song is starting to grow on me. I counted 50 different versions on Apple Music. I probably listened to half. Since it is a fiddle song, most are with that instrument and in the key of D. My tab is in C so I have been using a capo to play along. I did find a guitar version that I like.
I did go onto YouTube and found the Sawlon version that you suggested. I do like it and might try using some of it. However, I kind of think some of the background picking detracts from the melody. In any case I’m sure I won’t sound that good…..but I’ll doo my best. My biggest concern is memorizing it. Not a strong point for me. lol.

[mark1256]

Yes, I know I am late. I was going to take a month off. Then a friend gave me the music/tab for a song that I had never heard before. At first I ignored it. It wasn’t something that I would normally listen to. Then I decided to try something different for me. The song is Ashokan Farewell by Jay Unger. It was written for the Civil War documentary and it’s a fiddle song.
I started by listening to several versions of the recording to get the melody in my head. I actually found more than 20 recordings.

1. My goal is to modify the tab to fit my preference from some of the recordings.
2. Memorize the song. Something that I have great difficulty doing. Especially for a song without words.
3. Work on timing and tone. This is a slow song and often struggle with playing clear notes.

My plan is to practice it at least 30 minutes a day. First working on tone and then memorizing the tab.

[mark1256]

@Andrew. Thanks Andrew. I felt like I was rushing that walk up too. Didn’t even think about sustain on it.

[mark1256]

I am a Premium member

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
I always find these slow melodies much more difficult to get the tone I want.

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