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Lesson timetable: 17:00 - 20:00 in the afternoon (total of 21 hours)
During our lessons I will try to demonstrate in a practical way what I know how to do best, i.e. to accompany solo instruments and voices, playing what we call "bassokitharo" (bass guitar). This is a style of greek folk guitar which combines bass notes and guitar chords.
More specifically we will be addressing the following topics:
Rhythm, bass, chords and accompanying “comments/embellishments” that can be played by a folk guitar over a given melody. A combination between various Greek folk guitar styles from 1930-1960 and also contemporary and foreign influences. To a lesser degree, we will be looking at guitar solos (I do not consider myself a soloist) but always in the context mentioned above.
The lessons will take place over seven three-hour sessions and will basically involve examples of well-known songs, an exploration of how they used to be played in the past but also an examination of what we can add (or take away) today. Great emphasis will be given on the philosophy of a guitarist in a folk orchestra.
Obviously there will not be enough time for me to meet the needs of a complete beginner, but even with the more advanced musicians, it would be very useful if they had all their questions and queries organized beforehand so as to save time.
Feel free to send me any questions or ideas on Facebook (dimitris mitarakis) or at dmitarakis@gmail.com
I look forward to meeting you all and having a good time.
* This lesson will be taught only in Greek.
Interpretation will not be provided.
Biography
I would like to thank the IKARIA MUSIC SEMINAR (MUSICAL YARDS) for inviting me to share my knowledge on the Folk Guitar.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am a self-taught musician and my knowledge of notes is basic, just enough for me to communicate with the other musicians I play with.
I have been working as a professional musician since I was 15, sometimes as a guitarist and others as an accordionist. I have played in various settings such as traditional feasts (panigiria), night clubs, rebetiko music stages and taverns. I have collaborated with (and learnt under) some of the greatest musicians of the older generation (Babis Goles, Agathonas, Xindaris, Dimitrianakis, Stelios Vamvakaris, etc.) and also with newer artists such as Vasilis Skoutas, Nikos Tatasopoulos, Fotis Vergopoulos and "Rebetien" to mention but a few.