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Turkey in the Straw - Adding Variation (Old-Time)

3,354 views · Published 30 August 2016 · 14:22 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: FiddleHed · 2016 · Music

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Here's a step-by-step lesson which will show you how to add variation to Turkey in the Straw. Next up is a video lesson on how to add Irish variations! 

00:54  Tune played mid-tempo
01:50   A part - 1st Quarter
03:53   A part - 2nd Quarter
            (A part - 3rd Quarter, same as first)
05:22   A part - 4th Quarter
06:55   A part mid-tempo

07:34   B part - 1st Quarter
08:43   B part - 2nd Quarter
09:38   B part - 3rd Quarter
            (B part - 4th Quarter, same as A4)
11:14     Looping
12:20    B part slow

A good rule of thumb for adding variation is to take it away and play a simple, basic version of the phrase or tune. A related practice would be to take a phrase from the tune (or a quarter) and alternate between playing the basic version and a variation version. Try doing that in a continuous loop.

Ultimately, I hope this lesson helps you explore ways to add variation on your own to any tune you play. In this way you'll find your voice as a fiddler and a musician. Yay.

Learn the basic version here: 
https://youtu.be/T6vb8uumyHI

I made some “Learning Chunks” on the FiddleHed site to help you do this. These focused exercises contain sheet music, tabs and mp3 snippets to guide you on each step of your fiddle journey. 

These and all new lesson pages can be viewed for one week after publication with a FREE trial membership. Check it out here: https://fiddlehed.com

And after you sign up, I’ll also send you a mini-course of lessons specially designed for your skill level.

Alrighty. Play every day, have fun 😀 and thanks for making music 🙏  
   
Now, go fiddle with it...

Jason 🎻

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