"Red and White," by Leo Kottke
Added 2022-05-01 14:00:02 +0000 UTCAll:
I'm so happy to see all of you back again for another monthly lesson. For May, we have a beautiful transcription of "Red and White" from Takoma's 1974 issue of Kottke/Fahey/Lang. This one is hot off the press, I worked through the night and was up again at 5am to have this one ready for you this morning.
This is a blazing instrumental (about 270bpm) from Leo's early career. It is played in the key of D in drop D tuning. It is worth noting that Kottke's guitar is sounding a half-step sharp in the original recording. Whether he was tuned high, using a capo on the first fret, or the recording equipment was not properly calibrated, we may never know. Edit: One of my Sunday morning students pointed out that all of Leo's 6-string takes on the 6&12 record are tuned a half-step low. Being that this was recorded with the other takes, it is most likely that he is tuned down a half step, and uses a capo on the second fret.
Please pay attention to the chord forms and right-hand fingerings, this is a somewhat simple tune that most have played incorrectly through the years. The big challenge once again is achieving the high tempo that Kottke plays it at.
If you have any questions about anything related to this tune, please post them below.
YouTube performance: https://youtu.be/KPuWtj3ITnI
Patreon Lesson: https://youtu.be/vdgE_iZ_8ZA
The score is attached below. Have a blast!!
Comments
That’s very kind of you Andrew. I’m glad you are enjoying what we have to offer here.
Andrew Lardner
2022-06-14 18:41:13 +0000 UTCThis is a fantastic lesson. Love the piece and it's a good challenge for me. Not overly difficult but not easy either. Andrew - your work on these videos, transcriptions, etc.. is over the top great. Thanks and keep em coming!
Andrew Bassuk
2022-06-14 18:36:49 +0000 UTCWe could speculate all day as to why, but it’s best to stick to the facts, i.e. the pitches we hear in the audio. The reason for doing so is it maintains a regular bass pattern. At 270 bpm simpler is better. The only person who can answer the “why not” would be Leo in 1969.
Andrew Lardner
2022-05-03 18:23:44 +0000 UTCOk Andy, I won't be shy. About 63,65 and 67. To me, he is going from G to A to D. Why doesn't he play base note in the 3rd beat of each of those measures as an open A (5th string). It even sounds good as opposed to the open D or 6th string. I haven't listened to his recording like you have but I had the same question the first time I learned this. Thanks!
mark blomquist
2022-05-03 17:52:26 +0000 UTC
