How To Play Concertina: A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys! Ever been curious about that quirky, button-filled instrument that looks like a mini accordion? Yep, I'm talking about the concertina! It's a super fun and versatile instrument, and if you're looking to add a unique sound to your musical repertoire, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of concertinas, covering everything from its history and different types to how to hold it, play basic notes, and eventually, jam out some tunes. So, grab your concertina (or get ready to buy one!), and let's get started!

What is a Concertina?

Before we jump into playing the concertina, let's take a moment to understand what exactly this instrument is. The concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, similar to the accordion and harmonica. It's characterized by its hexagonal or square shape and the buttons on either side, which produce different notes when pressed while the bellows are expanded or compressed. Imagine a tiny, portable organ that fits in your hands – that’s the concertina!

The sound of the concertina is produced by air flowing across metal reeds, causing them to vibrate. This air is controlled by the bellows, the central, accordion-like part of the instrument that you squeeze and expand. The buttons on the concertina are arranged in a specific layout, depending on the type of concertina, and each button corresponds to one or more notes. What makes the concertina so fascinating is its ability to produce different notes depending on whether you're pushing or pulling the bellows – this is known as a bisonoric system, which we'll discuss in more detail later.

The concertina boasts a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century. It was developed independently in both England and Germany, with each country giving rise to its own distinct styles and systems. The English concertina, invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone, is known for its complex, fully chromatic system, allowing for playing in any key. The German concertina, on the other hand, typically uses a simpler diatonic system, making it well-suited for folk music. Over time, the concertina has found its way into various genres, from traditional folk and sea shanties to classical and contemporary music, showcasing its incredible versatility.

Types of Concertinas

Now that we know what a concertina is, let's explore the different types available. Understanding the distinctions between them is crucial for choosing the right instrument for your musical goals. The main types of concertinas are the English, Anglo, and Duet concertinas, each with its own unique characteristics and playing style.

• English Concertina: The English concertina is considered the most complex and versatile of the three. It features a fully chromatic system, meaning it can play all the notes in the Western musical scale. What sets it apart is its unisonoric nature – each button produces the same note whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. This consistent note layout makes it ideal for playing melodies and harmonies in any key. The English concertina is often favored by classical musicians and those who appreciate a challenge.

• Anglo Concertina: The Anglo concertina is the most popular type, particularly in folk music. It uses a bisonoric system, meaning each button produces two different notes depending on the direction of the bellows. This push-pull system might seem confusing at first, but it allows for quick chord changes and a distinctive rhythmic style. Anglo concertinas are typically diatonic, meaning they are designed to play in specific keys, although some models have extra buttons for accidentals (sharps and flats). Its bright, lively sound makes it perfect for jigs, reels, and other traditional tunes.

• Duet Concertina: The Duet concertina is a hybrid of the English and Anglo systems. It aims to combine the chromatic versatility of the English concertina with the bisonoric convenience of the Anglo. Duet concertinas typically have a range of notes on each side of the instrument, allowing the player to play both melody and accompaniment simultaneously. There are various layout systems for Duet concertinas, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This type is favored by those who want to play complex arrangements and create a full, orchestral sound.

Choosing the Right Concertina

So, which concertina is right for you? That depends on your musical interests and goals. If you're drawn to classical music and want the ability to play in any key, the English concertina might be the best choice, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve. For folk music enthusiasts, the Anglo concertina is a fantastic option, offering a lively sound and a more intuitive playing style. If you're interested in playing both melody and accompaniment, the Duet concertina could be the perfect fit, but it's worth researching the different layout systems to find one that suits you.

When choosing a concertina, it's also important to consider the number of buttons. Anglo concertinas typically have 20, 30, or 40 buttons, while English concertinas often have 48 or more. More buttons generally mean a wider range of notes and more versatility, but they can also make the instrument more complex to learn. For beginners, a 30-button Anglo concertina is often recommended as a good starting point. Ultimately, the best way to choose a concertina is to try out different models and see which one feels most comfortable and sounds best to you. Don't hesitate to visit a music store or contact a concertina teacher for advice.

Getting Started: Holding Your Concertina

Alright, guys, now that we've got the basics covered, let's get to the nitty-gritty of playing the concertina! The first step is learning how to hold the instrument correctly. Proper hand positioning is crucial for comfortable playing and good sound production. A concertina has straps on either side that secure the instrument to your hands. These straps are adjustable, so take some time to find the fit that works best for you. You want the concertina to feel snug but not too tight, allowing your fingers to move freely over the buttons.

To hold the concertina, slide your hands through the straps, ensuring that the instrument is centered in your hands. Your thumbs should be positioned on the thumb rests, which are usually located on the end panels of the concertina. Your fingers will then curl around the button layout on each side. The exact finger placement will vary depending on the type of concertina, but the general idea is to have your fingertips resting lightly on the buttons, ready to press them. Avoid gripping the instrument too tightly, as this can cause tension and affect your playing. Think of your hands as cradling the concertina, allowing the bellows to move freely.

The way you hold the concertina can also influence the sound you produce. Holding it close to your body can create a warmer, more intimate tone, while holding it further away can project the sound more broadly. Experiment with different positions to see how they affect the sound and find what works best for you. Remember, posture is key! Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. This will allow you to breathe easily and maintain a steady bellows motion. Don't hunch over the instrument, as this can restrict your breathing and make it harder to play for extended periods.

Bellows Control: The Heart of the Concertina

Bellows control is the heart and soul of concertina playing. It's the foundation upon which everything else is built. The bellows are what create the airflow that vibrates the reeds and produces the sound. Smooth, consistent bellows movement is essential for producing a clear, even tone. Jerky or uneven bellows movement will result in a choppy, inconsistent sound. Think of the bellows as your breath – you want it to be steady and controlled.

The key to good bellows control is using your arms and shoulders, not just your wrists. Your arms should move in a smooth, coordinated motion, expanding and compressing the bellows. Your shoulders should be relaxed, allowing your arms to move freely. Avoid squeezing the bellows too tightly or forcing them open too quickly. The bellows should move smoothly and effortlessly, like a gentle wave. Practice expanding and compressing the bellows without pressing any buttons. Focus on maintaining a steady, even rhythm. Try counting to four as you expand the bellows and then counting to four as you compress them. This will help you develop a sense of timing and control.

Experiment with different bellows pressures to create different dynamics. A lighter bellows pressure will produce a softer sound, while a heavier pressure will produce a louder sound. You can also use bellows direction to create accents and rhythmic variations. For example, you might push the bellows on the downbeat and pull on the upbeat. As you become more comfortable with bellows control, you can start to incorporate more complex techniques, such as bellows shakes and tremolos. These techniques add expressive flourishes to your playing and can create a truly captivating sound.

Playing Your First Notes and Scales

Okay, now for the fun part! Let's dive into playing your first notes and scales on the concertina. Remember, guys, patience is key here. It takes time and practice to develop the muscle memory and coordination required to play the concertina fluently. Start slowly and focus on accuracy. It's better to play a few notes correctly than to rush through a whole tune with mistakes. The button layout on the concertina can seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite logical once you understand the system.

For Anglo concertinas, the layout is typically arranged in rows and columns, with different notes produced depending on whether you're pushing or pulling the bellows. For English concertinas, each button produces the same note regardless of bellows direction. Start by familiarizing yourself with the layout of your specific instrument. There are many resources available online and in print that show the button layouts for different types of concertinas. Use these resources to map out the notes on your concertina and identify the ones you want to start with.

Begin with simple scales, such as the C major scale or the G major scale. Scales are a great way to learn the relationships between notes and develop your finger dexterity. Practice playing the scales slowly and evenly, paying attention to your bellows control and finger placement. Use a metronome to keep a steady tempo. As you become more comfortable with the scales, you can start to increase the tempo and try different rhythms. Once you've mastered a few scales, you can start to explore simple melodies. Folk tunes, such as