Tune suggestions

[carrie horgan]

I'm seeking suggestions for ragtime tunes that I might be able to attempt (i.e. not too technically difficult for a beginner).  

Many Thanks

Carrie

  

[Shawn McSweeny]

Hi Carrie  

Have a look at "Sunflower Dance" and "Whistling Rufus", both recorded by Ossman,  plus AJ Weidt's "Onion Rag" and "Pink Lemonade".  Each will have its own challenges for you, but they are not too difficult. They are enjoyable tunes and make a good ragtime starting point.

[Jody Stecher]

The Smiler Rag is not too difficult. Most of the left hand is chord positions. The fourth section has a rapid chromatic passage but it is not very long.

[Trapdoor2]

I do love "Onion Rag", fun tune! Another of Weidt's that is a lot of fun is "Dat Yam Rag". Don't use my TAB (posted here somewhere), it has a fingering error in the 3rd part.

[carrie horgan]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I also like the sound of Weidt's 'Sweetcorn'.  He wrote some cool tunes...

[Shawn McSweeny]

You can't go wrong with Weidt. Ossman once gave a concert that was entirely pieces by Weidt. 

Sweet Corn may come easier after learning Onion and PL. That is what worked for me and the reason I didn't mention it in a first grouping. But if you like it, go for it.

[Hal Allert]

I have always liked Dill Pickles Rag by Charles L. Johnson. Though it does have some single-string passages in it, the left hand positions are very easy and it has that 4-on-3 roll which immediately makes it sound like ragtime.

[carrie horgan]

Thanks for the suggestion, Hal.  I really like the Vess Ossman's recording of Dill Pickles - I won't be able to play it at anywhere near his speed though (mind-blowing!)

[Steve Harrison]

Hi Carrie, don't even try or that's where your troubles will begin. It's better to play at a manageable speed but with good accuracy. Too many players fall into the speed trap and all they end up doing is practicing their mistakes......Steve. 

carrie horgan said:

Thanks for the suggestion, Hal.  I really like the Vess Ossman's recording of Dill Pickles - I won't be able to play it at anywhere near his speed though (mind-blowing!)