How to Play the Concertina

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide what kind of concertina to play.

   Anglo-German or English are the two most available.
2. 2

   Step 2: Procure a concertina.

   Buy, rent, or borrow one. , The website www.concertina.com is a good place to start. , "Del Rey's Deluxe Concertina Book" is older, widely available, and good for the Anglo concertina. "The Concertina:
   A Handbook and Tutor for Beginners on the English Concertina" can be found on the concertina.com webpage. , Gently pull the bellows or push the bellows while holding down individual buttons.
   
   Don't worry about playing specific chords when you start.
   
   Concentrate on first making a scale from "C to C".
   
   If you aren't able to get the basic 8 note scale, or octave ("oct"=8) you will have a difficult time learning songs. , If you can't read music you can learn how to play by ear as well. , Practice.
   
   Practice! , If you can download sheet music on the internet you can find notes and chords to match.
   
   Most songbooks or "facebook" have simple melodies with chords. ,, There are quite a few good tutorials there, as well as talented performers to help give you an idea of what can be played.
3. 3

   Step 3: Learn about the fingerings for your particular concertina.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get a book of simple songs

5. 5

   Step 5: or even a specific book for your concertina.

6. 6

   Step 6: Learn how to use the bellows.

7. 7

   Step 7: Learn a few simple songs with melodies that you know in your head.

8. 8

   Step 8: Practice.

9. 9

   Step 9: Get a friend who plays the guitar to play chords for you while you play melodies.

10. 10

    Step 10: Study the history of the concertina so that you can be a proud concertina player!

11. 11

    Step 11: Search YouTube for "concertina".

Detailed Guide

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