Thanks! Very helpful.

Thank you for posting this.

Wow, what a great video! It demystifies a lot in 13 minutes!

That's about as close as one can get to breaking down the dark art of counter melody!

Thanks Matt. I'm looking forward to getting to grips with this aspect of bouzouki playing. I really appreciate these bouzouki videos you've put out recently.

It's just the musician in me but the moment you start the loop and play along, it's all there already. Even in it's simplest form, these melodies have such an inspiring emotion. Thanks Matt!

Hi Matt, thanks for simplifying the lessons to get started on the bouzouki. I just got mine and I'm looking forward to having lots of fun with this instrument. Cheers Bernie

audio is great here and bouzouki sounds wonderful

Loop was very helpful. THANK YOU

This video auto played after the VGS today - and although I'm not a bouzouki player, it was wonderful. I played along on flute and it was inspiring to have such beautiful backing! As always, Thanks for sharing!

Well, that was 13 minutes well spent. I'm going to take your advice and record a tune to play along with. And then give myself permission to screw up as I figure this out. You've given me a lot of ideas.... Thanks, Matt!

Thanks so much for this brilliant post Matt. There is so likktle information on bouzouki playing and counter melodies in particular. This is a brilliant first stepping stone for me going from a new bouzouki and no idea as to what to do besides strum basic chords to now start me on my way le a rning. 100s of counter melodies for all the celtic songs i play on mandolin. Now to start years of work...

Excellent Matt - most enjoyable & helpful

thanks, new to this though I'm a grand 69 yrs interested! Im just playing the sessions like a pig in the mud!

For me timing is everything for things to be relevant and to sink in... I've just recently been working hon ow to play harmonies and variations on a melody (preparing for an upcoming mandolin/flute duet). Your video gave me some very useful (and timely) tools...! Thanks Matt.

Matt. thank you SO much for this. It's the kind of instruction that is so hard to find.. Could I suggest that you put out some looped tune files that we can practice what you're doing with? I can record your loop track but a lot couldn't. Your pencil mics ( what model are they?) are great and I want a 5 course version of your zouk! who made that? (ps do you use those mics for stage or recording or both? )

"strumming a chord to Alec Finn" lol. that man breathed countermelody. and just to be awkward he chose an odd picking pattern (typical Yorkshire man). I just bought your book In Harmony and I'm finding it really useful to learn bouzouki. Would you consider starting a YT channel or patreon with lessons on there for GDAD bouzouki? my main problems are picking the right chords to fit the tune. when i do figure it out i quickly forget it! (i can remember a melody no problem) happy to pay for lessons too

how are you getting such perfect audio? It sounds like I am there sitting in front of you - the bouzouki has a beautiful sound for Irish music - ex: Planxty (my favorite)

could you post the name of the tunes so we can look them up and learn them?