New to the Cajun accordion and want to know if there are any vids out there that give instruction on how to make the base (left hand) work independently from the melody hand. Any advice will be appreciated.p
This whole video is good for a beginner, but the bass side is addressed at 7:35 for some basic principles. Big Nick's instructional CD's deal with the bass side on a song-by-song basis is greater detail.
It's difficult at first, but you will achieve "separation" of the left and right sides at some point. For me, it took about 6 months, and it's still a weakness after 3 years. Big Nick's Vol. 2 has a drill with Mary Had a Little Lamb. Every beginner should do this one - it's like boot camp.
Based upon my experience the bass side is often under-emphasized. This is your own little rhythm section, and it is fundamentally important. Being the foundation of the music, the bass side deserves your full attention.
Nedro is right. Big Nick's DVDs are the way to go. I knew nothing about Cajun music when I started and after Vol 3, I was well on my way. He spends a lot of time on the bass hand in Vol 2. Be paient and you will learn to use the bases.
Can this even be explained successfully in mere words? Yes it can, but only by few.
I know when I play any song, I start briefly on the treble side just until it feels or sounds like it\'s time to come in with the base side. I always start with the top \"chord\" button on the base side whether it\'s with a two step or a waltz. You blend that first baseside lick in to the beat that\'s being given by your treble side. The base side should follwo the treble side, not the treble side follow the base. Then you try to pick out when the drop chord or drop beat is happening on your treble side. At this exact time of this drop chord, your pinky should be hitting the bottom \"base\" button on the base side. All instruments accompanying your accordion will key off of this drop beat that will be emphasized by both the stress note of the treble side and the \"base\" bottom button on the base side of your accordion. In the end, you will be able to \"FEEL\" the rhythm down to your toes and feet which will enable you to tap your feet correctly instead of all over the dam place like a fool. Eventually, your whole body will dance to the music you are making. Hope I heloped you.
What? is the bass side now some mystical experience? Two step - four quarter notes to a bar - bass on 1,2,3 and 4 or if you're playing eigth notes bass on 1,3,5 and 7 - 4/4 time. Waltz - three quarter notes to the bar - bass on 1,2 and 3 - 3/4 time. Start with the bottom button and alternate until the wind changes.