On Top of Old Smokey Review (Guitar Lesson)

Chapter 1: (01:06) Introduction In past lessons, all materials were presented in first position. In this lesson and the next several lessons, Matt will shift gears to second position. To get you acquainted with this new position, Matt transfers scales and melodies from previous lessons to second position. He begins this review process with the key of C major.

In the following scene, Matt reviews the melody to "On Top of Old Smokey" in second position. Since you already know how this tune should sound, it will be easy to point out mistakes when the melody is transferred to the new position. Before you proceed to the second position version of the melody, review the first position version that was taught in lesson 6. Also, work through all of the scale exercises listed below.

Scale Practice

Before you attempt to play any melodies in second position, you must learn where each note is located. Begin this process by learning the natural notes (C major scale) in this position. To learn the scale in the most efficient manner, say each note name out loud as you play it.

Note: Tablature and standard notation to this scale is included under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Proper left hand fingerings are also included. Do not deviate from the fingerings Matt has indicated!

Once you have memorized the C major scale in second position, practice the scale along with a metronome. Also, apply rhythm exercises taught in past lessons to this scale. Working through these exercises will increase your overall knowledge of the pattern.

Fingering Rules

In second position, certain fingering rules must be followed at all times. The first finger plays all notes at the 2nd fret. The middle finger plays 3rd fret notes. The third finger plays all notes at the fourth fret. Finally, all notes at the 5th fret are played by the pinky.

Occasionally, you will need to perform finger stretches to reach notes that are outside of the position. For example, the first finger must stretch back to fret the note F at the 1st fret of the sixth and first strings. The pinky may also perform a stretch to reach notes at the sixth fret. (No 6th fret notes are included in the C major scale.) When performing any finger stretch, do not move the position of the hand. The stretch must be made by the finger.

Root Notes

Remember to start and end on the lowest root note when playing any scale. The lowest C note is located at the 3rd fret of the fifth string. Begin with this note and ascend to the highest note in the pattern (A on the first string). Then, descend back down to the lowest note available (F on the sixth string). Finally, ascend back up to the root note that you started with. Chapter 2: (02:44) 2nd Position Finger Rolls

A finger roll must be performed whenever two consecutive notes are played at the same fret but on different strings. The way in which you fret the initial note must change when this technique is applied. When rolling to a lower string, fret the first note more with the fleshy pad of the finger so that the tip can easily roll to the next note. When rolling to a higher string, the opposite approach must be taken. Fret the first note with the very tip of the finger. Then, slightly flatten out the tip joint so that the pad of the finger frets the second note. When performing a roll, the melody must remain smooth and connected. However, both notes should not ring over top of one another.

Note: For additional information about this technique, please refer to lesson five from Dennis Hodges' Lead Concepts and Techniques series.

Watch and Learn

Watch and listen carefully at 02:00 as Matt demonstrates the melody in second position. Notice how plays clearly in time with a smooth, legato sound. Listen to how he highlights the phrases. Do not skip the rests! They are there for a reason!

Practice Time

Before proceeding to the next scene, practice the melody along with a metronome at a variety of tempos. Start at a very slow tempo such as 60 beats per minute. Gradually increase the speed of the metronome by about five beats at a time. Once you can play the melody in a wide range of tempos, return to the lesson video and play along with Matt in the following scene. Matt plays the song at several tempos that are significantly faster than those demonstrated in the original lesson for "On Top of Old Smokey." Chapter 3: (04:04) Performance Performance 1 (125 bpm)

Play the melody along with Matt when you feel comfortable with this tempo. If you happen to make a mistake, simply keep going. Do not rewind the video and start again. Starting and stopping at the same time is one of the most rudimentary components of a successful duet. In a live performance, you don't have the option of stopping and starting over each time you make a mistake.

Performance 2 (136 bpm)

This is the bottom end of the acceptable tempo range for this song. If you find it too difficult, knock the metronome back down to 127. Then, gradually work your way back up in two beat increments.

Performance 3 (155 bpm)

This is the tempo at which the song is typically performed.

Preview of Next Lesson

In lesson 14, Matt will explain how to play the F major scale in second position. The melody to "Angels We Have Heard on High" will be transferred to second position to provide you with some reading practice in this key.

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