By the Waters of Babylon

(Key of Bm)

We cover the mode of Aeolian (the relative minor), hand separation, a backup largely using arpeggios, an intro loosely based on the chord progression, and some basic arranging ideas. Typically, a round has a repeating chord progression – I break that rule and discuss the theory behind doing so. I am a big believer in always knowing your chord progressions. This piece is a great one to develop that skill. We keep the arranging ideas quite simple on the theory that sometimes less is more! The Weaver’s (with Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert and many others) and later Don McLean (of American Pie fame) made this round famous, but it dates to the 1700’s, possibly composed by Phillip Hayes. Play it sweetly! Here is Don McLean’s take on the tune https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuYlwI8Vc8Q

Here's What You Get:

$38 (Sheet music PLUS all video lessons)

Sheet music for Melody, Backup, Intro/Outro, Hand Separation, and Arranging Ideas. Ken talks through the tune, chord choices, hammering patterns, backups, embellishments, arranging, play-throughs, and more on his dulcimer (shot from above so that you can see what he's doing).

Video Lessons Included:

• Basic Tune
• Hammering and Melody
• Chord Progression
• Round
• Hand Separation
• Hand Separation Play-through
• Backup
• Backup Play-through
• Intro / Outro
• Intro / Outro Play-through
• Arranging Ideas
• Play-through
• Practice Track

 Approximate length: 52 minutes

***Videos can be streamed, downloaded, or viewed in the Gumroad App on mobile devices. Watch your email for instructions after purchase***

It's like having private mini-tutorials from Ken that you can watch over and over!

NOTE: Even if you already own the sheet music, your purchase ensures that you receive the latest updated versions, and future additions to new arranging ideas, backups and so forth as Ken experiments and develops his playing of the tune.

Thank you for your support - I hope you enjoy the tune! Please do not share your purchased music and videos.

Recorded at Fenchurch Music Studio, Baltimore MD for the Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer Retreat