When playing backup fiddle, what’s the best rhythm for the chords?

Barb from Chicago: When playing backup fiddle, how do you determine the best way to play the chords? The typical chopping backup doesn’t always seem appropriate. What about the rhythmic “train” style chopping? And what to do with slower songs like Wayfaring Stranger or Angel Band? 

Thanks to all who attended this office hours session and asked questions 🙏

Further learning and practice

• Chord rhythms: hoedown and train. Try to play with an offbeat accent.
• Play quarter, half and whole notes for songs. Make it pretty.
• Remember that you are playing a support role. Do what you can to make the main voice shine.
• If there are other instruments, I suggest you don’t play the whole song.
  • Layer in parts.
  • Leave spaces.
• Chord Rhythms

This micro-lesson is an excerpt from an office hours webinar I gave on June 17, 2020. View the entire live-stream with indexed questions here.

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