The Anglo Concertina is a Bisonoric instrument. Bisonoric instruments mean that every button has a different note and two notes in one button. Be achieved by pulling or pushing the buttons. Like the banjo, it is also one of the most popular instruments in traditional Irish music. Most of these instruments always come with a 30-button Anglo concertina. Learning the instrument is a very hard job to do.
How to play Anglo concertina
1. Holding the instrument
One of the most important things while learning to play an instrument is holding them in the right position. You must hold it on your lap for extra support. Holding it properly with the right posture will give you more freedom to use it with more functions. Without holding it in the right way, you will never be able to play them with perfection.
2. Hands position and finger placement
Playing the instrument like concertinas might be typical because it requires each finger of your hand, including your Pinky finger, to play the concertina. Place your four fingers above the instrument in the middle row to start playing the instrument. Your thumb also has a great role because it is used to press the air button, which is necessary for tuning.
3. Playing your first note
- Firstly, you have to press the air button with your right thumb. Your thumb will draw or expand the bellows slightly for better tuning.
- Place your first finger on the left hand on the top button. It will be the closest written to your instrument.
- You should press and hold the button whenever you push the bellows inward. It is how you can simply play your first note. This is the basic guide for everyone to understand before using these instruments.
- Next, you must keep your finger on the same button, but now you must pull the bellows in the opposite direction. Now the instrument will create a different sound and a different note. One button works as two notes. So, make sure always do you remember to use the bellows movement with the right judgment.
Conclusion
Anglo Concertina is highly known for its role in traditional English, Irish, and other folk music all over the industry. With the basic guide, you can play the instrument perfectly without any problems. Start playing your notes today and practice daily for better judgment was playing the instrument.