Song of the Volga Boatmen (Guitar Lesson)
What are you waiting for? Get your membership now!
Song of the Volga Boatmen
Matt Brown demonstrates the melody and tips for playing the Russian folk tune "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Taught by Matt Brown in Reading Music and Rhythm seriesLength: 11:33Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
-Learn how to play the melody to "Song of the Volga Boatmen" by reading standard notation
-Learn how hammer-ons and pull-offs can be added to the score to achieve a legato style.
Chapter 2: (02:31) Play Along Make sure you are not playing any incorrect notes or rhythms as you play along with Matt. Also, remember to keep plowing ahead towards the end if you happen to make a mistake. Chapter 3: (08:26) Song of the Volga Boatmen Process of Learning a New Piece of Music
1. Learn the Title and Composer
Title: Song of the Volga Boatmen
Composer: Traditional Russian Folk Song
2. Note the Key Signature
Key Signature: A minor
3. Note The Style and Tempo
The style listed is "andante." Do your own research and determine what this tempo / style marking indicates.
4. Scan for Dynamics
Matt has added some simple dynamics into the score. They highlight important features such as modulations and the "apex" or high point of the melody. The dynamics begin at a mezzo forte or medium volume and build toward a climax. Notice how a decrescendo is added to the end of the melody to create a dramatic "fade out" type of effect.
5. Scan for other Important Features
A. Modulation
Notice how several Bb notes occur in the melody. These Bb notes signal a brief modulation to the closely related key of F major.
B. Sixteenth Notes
All sixteenth notes in this piece are played with a pull-off. This produces a smoother sound than playing them with alternate picking. Slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, etc.) can be added into a piece as necessary when a smooth, legato style is called for.
Position Playing
In order to add in the pull-off figure, the melody must be played in 1st position or a higher position that Matt has not covered yet. For this reason, Matt opts to play the melody in first position.
Performance Example
Before you begin to practice the melody, watch and listen several times as Matt performs it at 05:56.
Practice Time
Pause the lesson video and practice sight reading through the melody slowly in time with a metronome. Go as slowly as you need to!
Video Subtitles / Captions
Supplemental Learning Material
Reading Music and Rhythm
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsMatt brings all of his years of education right to you with this fantastic series on how to read music. You will start with the very basics and work up to some very advanced concepts.
Lesson 1
Intro to Reading Music
This introductory lesson will walk you through the basics of reading music and reading rhythm.
Length: 15:07 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Reading Music
Learn how to identify notes, the key signature, and the staff. Implement your reading skills by playing a few simple tunes.
Length: 43:32 Difficulty: 1.5 FREE
Rhythm and Time Signatures
Learn the basics of notation and time signatures. Practice these concepts with a few timing exercises.
Length: 22:01 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
3/4 Time Signatures
Now that you've learned a bit about 4/4 time, it's on to 3/4 time.
Length: 22:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Reading Music Practice
Now that you know the basics of reading music, it's time to put that knowledge to work with some exercises.
Length: 25:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
On Top of Old Smokey
Get some more practice reading music and rhythms during your rock fest rendition of "On Top of Old Smokey".
Length: 15:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
He's Got the Whole World
Matt Brown reviews the G major scale and teaches "He's Got the Whole World".
Length: 13:18 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Amazing Grace
Matt Brown explains how to read music in the key of F major. He uses the song "Amazing Grace" as an example.
Length: 15:22 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Shoo, Fly
Matt Brown teaches the song "Shoo, Fly" as another excellent rhythm and reading example. This song is in the key of G.
Length: 14:46 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Scales and Key Signatures
Matt Brown returns with the 10th installment in his Reading and Rhythm series. In this lesson, Matt discusses key signatures.
Length: 14:09 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Key and Aura Lee
In this lesson Matt Brown covers the first minor key song in this series, "Aura Lee".
Length: 12:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Scarborough Fair
In this lesson, Matt introduces the A Dorian mode. He applies it to the song "Scarborough Fair".
Length: 16:29 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Second Position
In lesson 13, Matt Brown discusses and demonstrates second position.
Length: 29:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Rhythm
Lesson 14 is all about rhythm. Matt Brown discusses its importance and provides several exercises.
Length: 20:17 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
On Top of Old Smokey Review
Matt Brown reviews "On Top of Old Smokey". This time around, the melody is played in second position.
Length: 7:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Reviewing Angels We Have Heard On High
For lesson 14, Matt Brown reviews "Angels We Have Heard On High". The melody is now played in second position.
Length: 12:02 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Shoo, Fly Review
Matt Brown reviews the song "Shoo, Fly" in second position.
Length: 8:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rhythm Strumming
This lesson covers right hand rhythm technique. Matt introduces syncopated strumming patterns.
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Down by the Riverside
Matt teaches the melody to "Down by the Riverside". This tune is used as preparation for learning accompaniment techniques.
Length: 15:02 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Accompaniment
Matt uses the song "Down by the Riverside" to teach accompaniment techniques for rhythm backing.
Length: 12:31 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Fur Elise Pt. 1
Matt teaches the classic tune "Fur Elise" in a two part series. For Part 1, Matt demonstrates the melody section.
Length: 24:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Fur Elise Pt. 2
In lesson 22, Matt teaches the accompaniment sections to Beethoven's "Fur Elise".
Length: 13:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Entertainer Pt. 1
Lesson 23 starts a 2 part series on the classic tune "The Entertainer".
Length: 16:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Entertainer Pt. 2
Lesson 24 completes the two part series on "The Entertainer". You will learn the accompaniment in this lesson.
Length: 14:06 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Sea to Sea Pt. 1
Matt starts another 2 part lesson, this time on the tune "Sea to Sea" by William G. Leavitt.
Length: 20:36 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Sea to Sea Pt. 2
Lesson 26 completes Matt's 2 part series on "Sea to Sea".
Length: 10:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 1
Matt introduces the B flat major scale and teaches the song "Stars and Stripes Forever".
Length: 21:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 2
Matt completes his two part series on "Stars and Stripes Forever" by teaching the accompaniment.
Length: 7:39 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
D Major in First and Second Position
Matt Brown teaches the D Major scale in both first and second positions.
Length: 17:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Danny Boy Pt. 1
Matt Brown demonstrates "Danny Boy" in both first and second positions.
Length: 16:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Danny Boy Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to the "Danny Boy" melody.
Length: 12:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Silent Night Pt. 1
Matt teaches the Christmas classic "Silent Night."
Length: 18:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Silent Night Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment to the "Silent Night" melody.
Length: 4:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches "Funiculi Funicula" as an exercise in reading and playing in 6/8 time.
Length: 14:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Funiculi Funicula".
Length: 16:40 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Strumming Triplets
In lesson 36, Matt provides exercises to help you strum triplet patterns.
Length: 23:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Strumming Sixteenth Note Rhythms
In lesson 37, Matt Brown demonstrates how to strum sixteenth note rhythms.
Length: 17:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Song of the Volga Boatmen
Matt Brown demonstrates the melody and tips for playing the Russian folk tune "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Length: 11:33 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Song of the Volga Boatmen Pt. 2
In lesson 39, Matt teaches the accompaniment to "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Length: 8:35 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Dance of the Ukraine
Matt Brown teaches and demonstrates "Dance of the Ukraine."
Length: 15:37 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Dance of the Ukraine Pt. 2
Matt demonstrates the accompaniment to the "Dance of the Ukraine" melody.
Length: 13:36 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Etude by Ferdinando Carulli
Matt Brown teaches an etude for classical guitar by Ferdinando Carulli.
Length: 21:20 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Morning Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches the melody section to "Morning" by Edvard Grieg.
Length: 18:44 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Morning Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment for Edvard Grieg's "Morning."
Length: 8:08 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bach's Minuet Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's classic Minuet.
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Bach's Minuet Pt. 2
In lesson 46, Matt Brown covers the accompaniment section to Bach's Minuet.
Length: 5:53 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Little Prelude in C Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's "Little Prelude in C."
Length: 16:23 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Little Prelude in C Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Little Prelude in C" by Bach.
Length: 7:49 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Clementi's Sonatina
Matt Brown teaches the 2nd guitar part to Muzio Clementi's famous "Sonatina."
Length: 23:46 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bach's Invention #1
Matt Brown teaches Invention #1 composed by J.S. Bach.
Length: 21:42 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Third Position
Matt takes a look at playing in third position. This lesson will set up future reading lessons that require the third position.
Length: 7:16 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
Third Position Practice
Matt Brown has you working through Jean Philippe Rameau's Minuet for third position playing in lesson 52. He provides a play along and accompaniment to help your sight reading and playing.
Length: 15:11 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
About Matt Brown
View Full Biography
Matt Brown began playing the guitar at the age of 11. "It was a rule in my family to learn and play an instrument for at least two years. I had been introduced to a lot of great music at the time by friends and their older siblings. I was really into bands like Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins, so the decision to pick up the guitar came pretty easily."
Matt's musical training has always followed a very structured path. He began studying the guitar with Dayton, Ohio guitar great Danny Voris. I began learning scales, chords, and basic songs like any other guitarist. After breaking his left wrist after playing for only a year, Matt began to study music theory in great detail. I wanted to keep going with my lessons, but I obviously couldn't play at all. Danny basically gave me the equivalent of a freshman year music theory course in the span of two months. These months proved to have a huge impact on Brown's approach to the instrument.
Brown continued his music education at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed a degree in Classical Guitar Performance in 2002. While at Capital, he also studied jazz guitar and recording techniques in great detail. "I've never had any desire to perform jazz music. Its lack of relevance to modern culture has always turned me off. However, nothing will improve your chops more than studying this music."
Matt Brown currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. He teaches lessons locally as well as at Capital University's Community Music School. Matt's recent projects include writing and recording with his new, as of yet nameless band as well as the formation of a cover band called The Dirty Cunnies.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Mitch Reed
Mitch teaches his interpretation of the classic "Cannonball Rag." This song provides beginning and intermediate guitarists...
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Lincoln
Lesson 40 takes a deeper look at slash chords. Mark discusses why they're called slash chords, and how they are formed.
Free LessonSeries Details
Miche Fambro
Miche introduces several new chord concepts that add color and excitement to any progression.
Free LessonSeries Details
Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
Free LessonSeries Details
Greg Greenway
Greg kicks off his series telling a little about himself and introduces the C9 tuning.
Free LessonSeries Details
Peter Einhorn
JamPlay is proud to introduce jazz guitarist Peter Einhorn. In this lesson series, Peter will discuss and demonstrate a way...
Free LessonSeries Details
Calum Graham
Award winning, Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Calum Graham introduces his Jamplay Artist Series, which aims to transform...
Free LessonSeries Details
Mario DaSilva
Free LessonSeries Details
Phil Keaggy
Welcome to the Phil Keaggy Master Course! In this series introduction, Phil shows and tells us what we can expect from this...
Free LessonSeries DetailsElectric Guitar Lesson Samples
Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
Ian Argys
Lesson 6 is all about the major mode. As with the other lessons you'll be taking a look at the individual notes on the strings...
Free LessonSeries Details
Michael Ripoll
Michael "Nomad" Ripoll dives deep into the rhythm & blues, funk, and soul genres that were made popular by artists like Earth...
Free LessonSeries Details
Dennis Hodges
Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...
Free LessonSeries Details
Steve Smyth
JamPlay sits down with veteran fret grinder Steve Smyth of Forbidden and The EssenEss Project. He talks about how he got...
Free LessonSeries Details
Kenny Ray
Albert Collins brought a lot of style to the blues scene. In this lesson, Kenny breaks down Albert's style for you to learn.
Free LessonSeries Details
David MacKenzie
David MacKenzie introduces the tapping technique and teaches a fun exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Free LessonSeries Details
Lisa Pursell
Lisa breaks into the very basics of the electric guitar. She starts by explaining the parts of the guitar. Then, she dives...
Free LessonSeries Details
Lita Ford
Lita Ford, guitarist for The Runaways, presents a fantastic and in depth series on what it was like and what it took professionally...
Free LessonSeries Details
Kris Norris
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...
Free LessonSeries Details
Paul Musso
JamPlay is proud to welcome senior professor and Coordinator of Guitar Studies at the University of Colorado at Denver,...
Free LessonSeries DetailsJoin over 507917 guitarists who have learned how to play in weeks... not years!
Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.
Unlimited Lesson Viewing
A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.Live Lessons
Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.Interactive Community
Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.Chord Library
Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.Scale Library
Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.Custom Chord Sheets
At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.Backing Tracks
Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.Interactive Games
We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.Beginners Welcome.. and Up
Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.Take a minute to compare JamPlay to other traditional and new methods of learning guitar. Our estimates for "In-Person" lessons below are based on a weekly face-to-face lesson for $40 per hour.
 |
||||
| Price Per Lesson | < $0.01 | $4 - $5 | $30 - $50 | Free |
| Money Back Guarantee | Sometimes | n/a | ||
| Number of Instructors | 125 | 1 – 3 | 1 | Zillions |
| Interaction with Instructors | Daily Webcam Sessions | Weekly | ||
| Professional Instructors | Luck of the Draw | Luck of the Draw | ||
| New Lessons | Daily | Weekly | Minutely | |
| Structured Lessons | ||||
| Learn Any Style | Sorta | |||
| Track Progress | ||||
| HD Video | - | Sometimes | ||
| Multiple Camera Angles | Sometimes | - | Sometimes | |
| Accurate Tabs | Maybe | Maybe | ||
| Scale/Chord Libraries | ||||
| Custom JamTracks | ||||
| Interactive Games | ||||
| Community | ||||
| Learn in Sweatpants | Socially Unacceptable | |||
| Gasoline Needed | $0.00 | $0.00 | ~$4 / gallon! | $0.00 |
Mike H.
"I feel like a 12 year old kid with a new guitar!"
I am 66 years young and I still got it! I would have never known this if it had not been for Jamplay! I feel like a 12 year old kid with a new guitar! Ha! I cannot express enough how great you're website is! It is for beginners and advanced pickers! I am an advanced picker and thought I had lost it but thanks to you all, I found it again! Even though I only play by ear, I have been a member a whopping whole two weeks now and have already got Brent's country shuffle and country blues down and of course with embellishments. Thank you all for your wonderful program!
Greg J.
"With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace"
I'm a fifty eight year old newbie who owns a guitar which has been sitting untouched in a corner for about seven years now. Last weekend I got inspired to pick it up and finally learn how to play after watching an amazing Spanish guitarist on TV. So, here I am. I'm starting at the beginning with Steve Eulberg and I couldn't be happier (except for the sore fingers :) Some day I'm going to play like Steve! I'm self employed with a hectic schedule. With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace, rewinding and replaying the videos until I get it. This is a very enjoyable diversion from my work yet I still feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile. Thanks a lot, Greg
Bill
"I believe this is the absolute best site for guitar students."
I am commenting here to tell you and everyone at JamPlay that I believe this is the absolute best site for guitar students. I truly enjoy learning to play the guitar on JamPlay.com. Yes, I said the words, ""enjoy learning."" It is by far the best deal for the money.
Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.