This is a short primer on the ins and outs of holding the accordion, using the bass to accompany yourself and the different blends that are commonly used.
I had Marc Savoy make me a cajun accordion back in the 90's. I played it a number of times (I was a total beginner), but eventually put it away because I found that my fingers could not reach the entire keyboard without a lot of effort. No one ever explained to me that my thumb should be on the side rather than braced against the back. I'm getting out my accordion again thanks to this video. There is hope yet. Thanks!
HIYA very informative video just bought a 10 button Cajun accordion didn't even know how to hold first, I'm 62 with fingers like sausages but watching your video I'll soon be playing like you.Thank you . BAZ.
Hi Ganey...Just got my new Cajun Accordian...your video helped me hit the ground running. Keep up the good video’s so us RCA’s can master the Squeeze Box! You give Sensational information that is right on target! Thanks a million!
Dear Ganey, Thank you for the video. 3 years ago, when I did not know the heads or the tails of the accordion, after watching your video, I began to play, amazing everyone around me. So far I can play just about anything I hear, except the Mardi Gras Song, and Bosco Stomp.. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Merci pour le video, and the knowledge. I'm learning to squeeze on my old hand-me-down Falcon box. acadien culture will never die so long as we gather and play.
Excellent Explanation Sir,Excellent .I was/trained/worked/ at Lafayette/Rayon Louisanna for years,many moons ago and I myself do play "with" the button accordion, with enthusiam and excitement ,I purchased a 4 stop cajan STYLE accordian ,but i could never get the catch how the french played that lovely Cajan accordion swing.It is ear-catching and i really like the cajan way of playing the 4 stop!! So Now, i m gonna give it a try again starting today . ty for this video, 100-100
thanks for making this video, I found my father's old hohner german 10-key and was interested in learning how it is played. This video was really helpful.
Thanks for the introduction. you have good teaching skills and you playing is great.. don't get discouraged from these eggheads trying to analyze everything. I checked all their channels and did not see one single video of them playing or teaching.. Please keep up the good work.... and to all you eggheads talk is cheap do it better or stand down
You are correct. Gainey’s perspective is that of the typical Cajun box player, which is more mechanical than theoretical. Thus, we play by knowledge of what sounds are produced when a certain key is pushed and a certain bellows direction is chosen. Note that his numbers refer to the key position, not the note position within the C major scale. You don’t have to understand anything about musical theory to play the diatonic single row with great skill, as Ganey does.
Thank you I learned so much from your video , was doing everything wrong including holding it and bringing it in and out with wrong hand , it is so easy now ,so a Big Thank You . Had watched other video's but didn't notice my mistakes till you showed me , Your the best . Cheer's
I've just lately really noticed Cajun music-and I Love IT!! I/ve been listening to it on the net this morning and found your accordian lesson-THANK YOU!!!You showed me alot; I know I could play this if I could find one to practice on.. IF I;m coordinated enough?!? Do you have any more lessons? Thank you! Got any friends that play in my neck of the woods?Jonesborough ,Tennessee. debbie,sparrow7ful
Thank you Cajunpicker for the video. If I want to find out more about these diatonic and concertina type instruments, are there forums or sites that you could recommend? Thank you.
Any way to find an accordion that would have the instrument reversed for left handers. I play guitar left handed and I couldn’t imagine playing accordion right handed
Very informative.But I have one question.When doing the F,what do I do with the left hand?maybe just the root C as the F chord as F major has a C as the 5th?
Chromatic boxes, are almost like a piano accordions, the keys are same in an out, however,I was thinking, is there anyway possible to make a G chord or A chord on the Cajun box? Or should I juss use the F chord an B chord ?
play the wrong chord. Not a joke - search for some solo cajun accordion videos and you'll see this everywhere. It's weird but it tends to get drowned out by other instruments anyways
against the guitar , how hard is it to learn? I'm interested in learning it . I've been playing the guitar for a while and would like to learn another instrument.
Can I use the 5 an 7 button to make the g an a chord, so I can play,(C major chord scale in 3rds) ? I want to buy a 10 button accordion, please respond....
Ganey says there's a G on the draw of button 1 (of course there's also a G on the accompaniment side, so I wonder why it's necessary). But does anyone know what the other 3 notes are on buttons 1 and 2? I hardly ever see anyone using them.
In the old days, before electronic tuners, the G on the #1 pull was necessary for tuning the B and D on the pull. Many people use it now to form the big G chord because when playing amplified, the bass side typical isn't mic'd in Cajun music.
I did a quick search, but there isn't anything available that I would recommend for learning. I really don't have much time available to make new videos, but school will be out in another month. Check back with me, if you haven't found anything.
The Cajun accordion, or melodeon, is a diatonic instrument meaning it has two tonic, or root, notes. It is tuned like a harmonica. The tonic is the key that it is tuned in, and the second tonic is the fifth note of the first tonic's scale. A C accordion plays naturally in C, or G. On a D accordion, you can play in D or A and so on and so forth.
"a diatonic instrument meaning it has two tonic, or root, notes" FACEPALM dude seriously, take 30 seconds to google these terms instead of just making up some nonsense
Most definitely a C. The vast majority of the repertoire is on a C accordion, although there has been a movement towards Bb. C is still the standard for learning and jam sessions.
Fascinating stuff, and a *great* job of *teaching*, which was the whole point :-). I've never played an accordion, but am very musically-inclined otherwise (several instruments), and got curious after watching JoEl Sonnier rip up "Evangeline Special". Interesting to note that it's a "two-key" instrument, like the old two-valve bugles used in drum-corps. A question: What do the four knobs above the chord-keyboard do? Are they for changing reed-sets or something? Or maybe fine-tuning in some way?
mom remarked 'the accordion has 120 bass buttons,the C buttin at ctre is always etched, ( often with a small diamond),' bro chimes in ''why don't they mark all of them?"
@cajunpicker. A chord requires just three chord 1-3-5 Adding a d to the F chord will make it a f6 chord....Nice instructions but get your facts straight, this will lead to confusions...look it up
What's the name of the accordion that is not much bigger than the palm of your hands, hexagon in shape on the ends, push button, and an accordion bladder in between......????
I just realised that you're contradicting yourself. You say a chord is 4 tones and that C is CEGA (I disagree with you here). Then you refer to the chords on the bass which are quite clearly triads. I don't dispute your ability, but your grasp of musical language is somewhat lacking/confused.
You're arguing from the Western musical standpoint. Cajun/creole music is vernacular/folk music and therefore does not adhere to the principles of Western tonal music. Let's look at the blues as a parallel: a blues guy will commonly call a blues "in G" but it is not "in G" at all: the chords are G7, C7, and D7, not adhering to any rules in tonal music. Cajun music shares the same vernacular tendencies that may not be correct in tonal music, but make perfect sense to others in the regional scene.
I see you have taken the time to criticize but you have not taken the time to do your own instructional video. I see you have your theory down. my question to you Sir is can you apply it...
![Lp. Последняя Реальность #97 ЧЁРНАЯ МАТЕРИЯ [Анти Скинт] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k4MjXCzKsYw/mqdefault.jpg)
the advice on holding the accordion and
how to use the thumbstrap is priceless
IVE BEEN CONTORTING MYSELF FOR
MONTHS GETTIN NOWHERE.
Bill
I had Marc Savoy make me a cajun accordion back in the 90's. I played it a number of times (I was a total beginner), but eventually put it away because I found that my fingers could not reach the entire keyboard without a lot of effort. No one ever explained to me that my thumb should be on the side rather than braced against the back. I'm getting out my accordion again thanks to this video. There is hope yet. Thanks!
Wow....thank you! Just bought a Benetti.....can't wait to try the waltz base out!
Pleas post some more.
HIYA very informative video just bought a 10 button Cajun accordion didn't even know how to hold first, I'm 62 with fingers like sausages but watching your video I'll soon be playing like you.Thank you .
BAZ.
Hi Ganey...Just got my new Cajun Accordian...your video helped me hit the ground running. Keep up the good video’s so us RCA’s can master the Squeeze Box! You give Sensational information that is right on target! Thanks a million!
Dear Ganey, Thank you for the video. 3 years ago, when I did not know the heads or the tails of the accordion, after watching your video, I began to play, amazing everyone around me. So far I can play just about anything I hear, except the Mardi Gras Song, and Bosco Stomp.. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Merci pour le video, and the knowledge. I'm learning to squeeze on my old hand-me-down Falcon box. acadien culture will never die so long as we gather and play.
Excellent Explanation Sir,Excellent .I was/trained/worked/ at Lafayette/Rayon Louisanna for years,many moons ago and I myself do play "with" the button accordion, with enthusiam and excitement ,I purchased a 4 stop cajan STYLE accordian ,but i could never get the catch how the french played that lovely Cajan accordion swing.It is ear-catching and i really like the cajan way of playing the 4 stop!! So Now, i m gonna give it a try again starting today . ty for this video, 100-100
thanks for helping me learn my culture when there is nobody left to teach me!
Thank you! This is a very thoughtful introduction, very helpful. Cheers from England! Russell, UK
The section on the implied chords is super helpful, and the whole video is great.
Thanks Ganey, great introduction!
Hi Danny! Thank you very much for your Introduction Vid! Bon Chance et vive la cajun! C´est bon! Mercy! ;) :)
thanks for making this video, I found my father's old hohner german 10-key and was interested in learning how it is played. This video was really helpful.
Great music. Thank you for it. It sounds awesome.
Thank you 😊
thanks very much for sharing your knowledge with me. i will now go
and practice it.
bill (scotland)
Good stuff Ganey..very useful for us newbies..
Very basic, but well done! it's got me inspired! I'm gonna try to find a reasonably priced diatonic accordian. Thanks!
Good sensible advice. Thank you.
Thank you! This was so helpful as a good "crash course." When I receive my antique, I'll at least know the way it's supposed to work.
Thanks, Ganey.
Brilliant! very helpful indeed, thank you!
I play piano accordion but I'm totally fascinated by diatonics. The coordination through the progression is wild!
Thank you very much for this video.
Most Excellent. Thanks
Thanks for the introduction. you have good teaching skills and you playing is great.. don't get discouraged from these eggheads trying to analyze everything. I checked all their channels and did not see one single video of them playing or teaching.. Please keep up the good work....
and to all you eggheads talk is cheap do it better or stand down
Terrific instruction. I was just looking to see how one worked...you explained a great deal.
Very good. Thank you. Please describe the archtop acoustic guitar on the wall behind you.
Thank you its been a very helpfuly video
You are correct. Gainey’s perspective is that of the typical Cajun box player, which is more mechanical than theoretical. Thus, we play by knowledge of what sounds are produced when a certain key is pushed and a certain bellows direction is chosen. Note that his numbers refer to the key position, not the note position within the C major scale. You don’t have to understand anything about musical theory to play the diatonic single row with great skill, as Ganey does.
..GREAT!! Thanks for the insight and incentive. Semper Fi! Godspeed! ...
Thanks for the insight! I was wondering how, what and when??
Great for me...the wanna be! Still might buy one!
Thanks for sharing!
Bernie Bjkaboom
Thank you!
Nice, thx
Thank you I learned so much from your video , was doing everything wrong including holding it and bringing it in and out with wrong hand , it is so easy now ,so a Big Thank You . Had watched other video's but didn't notice my mistakes till you showed me , Your the best . Cheer's
Thank you very much for your video! Very helpful. Btw which model accordion were you using?
I've just lately really noticed Cajun music-and I Love IT!! I/ve been listening to it on the net this morning and found your accordian lesson-THANK YOU!!!You showed me alot; I know I could play this if I could find one to practice on.. IF I;m coordinated enough?!? Do you have any more lessons? Thank you! Got any friends that play in my neck of the woods?Jonesborough ,Tennessee. debbie,sparrow7ful
Thank you Cajunpicker for the video. If I want to find out more about these diatonic and concertina type instruments, are there forums or sites that you could recommend? Thank you.
compliments
This fantastic for Irish trad Music.
Damien Mullane plays on one
Especially The Musical Priest and a few othet ríleanna
hi! wow you are good! i was wondering what is the combination key of a minor.. i just just figure it out...
Thank you from England, im just getting into this, but its hard to find fellow enthusiasts here, the church organ mob just dont get it...lol.
@UCB3GcOatmqwt3QcC8gwrexw
There is a Strap for Cajun Accordion & the strap will allow you to hold it. You play pretty good accordion.
Any way to find an accordion that would have the instrument reversed for left handers. I play guitar left handed and I couldn’t imagine playing accordion right handed
What is the song in the beginning called?? I love it!!
It is the beginning part of the LakeSide Gamblers special, an original composition that I released in 2009 with the LakeSide Gamblers.
I wanna learn
Very informative.But I have one question.When doing the F,what do I do with the left hand?maybe just the root C as the F chord as F major has a C as the 5th?
just realised this can't be done as thr implied F is when you pull and the C bass is on the push
What model are you playing how hard is it to learn about
Chromatic boxes, are almost like a piano accordions, the keys are same in an out, however,I was thinking, is there anyway possible to make a G chord or A chord on the Cajun box? Or should I juss use the F chord an B chord ?
What do you do with the Bass side when an F chord comes up in the melody?
play the wrong chord. Not a joke - search for some solo cajun accordion videos and you'll see this everywhere. It's weird but it tends to get drowned out by other instruments anyways
against the guitar , how hard is it to learn? I'm interested in learning it . I've been playing the guitar for a while and would like to learn another instrument.
It is a bit harder than the guitar, but if you know a song well enough to hum it, it makes it a lot easier.
Can I use the 5 an 7 button to make the g an a chord, so I can play,(C major chord scale in 3rds) ? I want to buy a 10 button accordion, please respond....
Ganey says there's a G on the draw of button 1 (of course there's also a G on the accompaniment side, so I wonder why it's necessary). But does anyone know what the other 3 notes are on buttons 1 and 2? I hardly ever see anyone using them.
In the old days, before electronic tuners, the G on the #1 pull was necessary for tuning the B and D on the pull. Many people use it now to form the big G chord because when playing amplified, the bass side typical isn't mic'd in Cajun music.
***** Hey, thanks Ganey! That makes sense. What's on the push of the #1 button and the push & draw of #2? If it F/G and A/B?
How much are Cajun accordions and do they come in D for Irish music?
@CajunPicker
A chord does not necessitate 4 tones. A triad is a chord.
I know this is very old but please message me if you see this. I want to learn how to play Grand Prairie waltz that my grandfather wrote
I did a quick search, but there isn't anything available that I would recommend for learning. I really don't have much time available to make new videos, but school will be out in another month. Check back with me, if you haven't found anything.
Does a D cajun accordion only play in D? Or is it just it's natural key? I'm not experienced on accordion, however I'd like to learn.
The Cajun accordion, or melodeon, is a diatonic instrument meaning it has two tonic, or root, notes. It is tuned like a harmonica. The tonic is the key that it is tuned in, and the second tonic is the fifth note of the first tonic's scale. A C accordion plays naturally in C, or G. On a D accordion, you can play in D or A and so on and so forth.
***** Thank you!
"a diatonic instrument meaning it has two tonic, or root, notes" FACEPALM dude seriously, take 30 seconds to google these terms instead of just making up some nonsense
what key do you recommend for a beginning player?
Most definitely a C. The vast majority of the repertoire is on a C accordion, although there has been a movement towards Bb. C is still the standard for learning and jam sessions.
Thanks!
Fascinating stuff, and a *great* job of *teaching*, which was the whole point :-). I've never played an accordion, but am very musically-inclined otherwise (several instruments), and got curious after watching JoEl Sonnier rip up "Evangeline Special". Interesting to note that it's a "two-key" instrument, like the old two-valve bugles used in drum-corps. A question: What do the four knobs above the chord-keyboard do? Are they for changing reed-sets or something? Or maybe fine-tuning in some way?
this exactly sounds like adige garmon
What key is the accordion in
Key of C.
Triads are fine
"the term chord implies four notes" uh nope not at all
That's exactly where I'm at. How the hell does a chord need a 6th to be a full chord? Wtf
mom remarked 'the accordion has 120 bass buttons,the C buttin at ctre is always etched, ( often with a small diamond),' bro chimes in ''why don't they mark all of them?"
Step 1: show us your skills. (required) Step 2: provide instruction (optional)
@fogboxer: a chord requires 1,3,5 ... and 6??? wtf? A major chord is 1-3-5... that's all. sheesh.
Love to get one but I don't know what to buy. Anyone have suggestions for reasonable, under $500, starters ?
But...but a triad...IS a chord...
Concertina. They come in both Anglo (Diatonic) and English (Chromatic) styles.
do you mean the ones pirates used to play little squeeze box ?
@cajunpicker. A chord requires just three chord 1-3-5 Adding a d to the F chord will make it a f6 chord....Nice instructions but get your facts straight, this will lead to confusions...look it up
What's the name of the accordion that is not much bigger than the palm of your hands, hexagon in shape on the ends, push button, and an accordion bladder in between......????
I just realised that you're contradicting yourself. You say a chord is 4 tones and that C is CEGA (I disagree with you here). Then you refer to the chords on the bass which are quite clearly triads. I don't dispute your ability, but your grasp of musical language is somewhat lacking/confused.
I don't want to hear about how to play ,I want to hear you play. Next video.
As soon as someone posts a helpful music video, a brood of vipers appears to trash the effort. The parade of jackasses is apparently endless.
Ganey is a great guy. It would be more appropriate and beneficial to those jackasses if they would ask questions for clarity rather than trash him.
You're arguing from the Western musical standpoint. Cajun/creole music is vernacular/folk music and therefore does not adhere to the principles of Western tonal music. Let's look at the blues as a parallel: a blues guy will commonly call a blues "in G" but it is not "in G" at all: the chords are G7, C7, and D7, not adhering to any rules in tonal music. Cajun music shares the same vernacular tendencies that may not be correct in tonal music, but make perfect sense to others in the regional scene.
lol blues is 100% tonal. A I-IV-V progression is about the most tonal thing possible; two little chromatic alternations don't change that.
I see you have taken the time to criticize but you have not taken the time to do your own instructional video. I see you have your theory down. my question to you Sir is can you apply it...
You play well but your knowledge is lacking when it comes to music theory.