Watermelon (12-string/Open D/Slide)

I thought it was about time to do a slide tune. And what better place to start than with an old Leo Kottke classic. There are plenty of versions of this tune already being played, but I had fun with it, nonetheless.

Played on my old Taylor 555, in Open D tuning (DADF#AD), lowered 2 steps. I used a Dunlop slide, worn on my ring finger. No picks, no nails.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Leo Kottke
• Watermelon
• Fingerstyle
• Open Tuning
• 12-string guitar
• Taylor 555
• bottleneck slide guitar
• classic
• D tuning
• Flip Mino HD
• DADF#AD
• B♭FB♭DFB♭

[iaingbrennan]

Nice one, why do normally prefer DADGAG, as oppossed to DADF# AD?, I much prefer the latter, especially on my 12-String, gives a much better 'ring',I always find, nice to see someone performing a song, shot on such a clear video for a change!

[dadgadjohn]

@iaingbrennan - Can you imagine trying to pronounce dadf#adjohn? : )

Seriously, I have been playing the 12-string in DADGAD since about 1997. I found it to be a versatile tuning for the styles of music that I play in, and I like the fact that neither a major nor a minor key is implied on the open strings.

[kiltedrebel]

John, what can I say? Excelllent!! One of my fave Leo Kottke tunes and perfectly played!

[dadgadjohn]

@kiltedrebel - you were my inspiration.

[kiltedrebel]

You do look like you're enjoying yourself there matey...could this be the next chapter in dadgadjohn's musical odyssey?!

[dadgadjohn]

This is a fun tune to play. I am working up another slide tune, also in D tuning. I recorded it at the same time that I recorded this one, but I wasn't happy with my playing, so I didn't post it.

I would like to try working up a few slide tunes in DADGAD, but nothing is presenting itself yet. Martin Simpson, I am not.

[m34nb34n]

Awesome

[gavocrazy]

Could you make an album, PLEASE! I need to LISTEN TO ALL YOUR MAJESTIC MELODIES!!!

[CarlBank250]

Thank you for that. Found no words to describe that experience yet.

Will keep you posted. ^

[ChuckJ09]

love the open D and my 12 .. this is awesome !! Very well done !!

[iaingbrennan]

Thanks to your clear video, I have managed to pick-up what your fingering is, playing it in the same key also, thanks again for posting your video, it has helped me master this difficult song.

[jeffbanjo]

So awesome!  I've watched this over and over trying to learn it... Very impressive.

[hopfuser]

I love your playing!! Have a try with a thicker slide. Do not press the slide too strong on the string, otherwise the string vibration will interfere with the fret.Try to keep your 1st and 2nd finger slighty on the strings behind the slide itself, this will make the tone clearer And...the last one ;-)....if you play slide, try to slide to the note, wait... and then move the slide very slowly up and down (vibrato), you´ll love it.I hope you understand my English. Greetings from Germany

[ScottWelchGuitar]

thanks for the tuning info-nice job-scott