Midnight on the Water (12-string/DADGAD)

I first heard this tune played on the fiddle. The album was an LP (remember those?) called "Songs, Ballads & Fiddle Tunes" by Jay Ungar & Lyn Hardy (Philo #1023).

Years later, I heard it done by Harvey Reid on the 12-string guitar on his cd "Of Wind & Water" (Woodpecker #104). He played it in Standard Tuning, but he used a cut capo to achieve the same intervals as DADGAD tuning.

I had to adapt a few fingerings to make this work in actual DADGAD tuning, but it still owes quite a bit to his version.

The last time that I played this tune was at the "Swannanoa Gathering" in 2005. I played it in front of a group of fellow players and instructors including Ed Gerhard and Tim Sparks.

No pressure on that day. I hope you enjoy this tune.

Played on my old Taylor 555 in DADGAD lowered a step.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Midnight on the Water
• Harvey Reid
• Jay Ungar
• Lyn Hardy
• Ed Gerhard
• Tim Sparks
• Swannanoa Gathering
• DADGAD
• CGCFGC
• 12-string guitar
• fingerstyle
• thumbpick
• Flip Mino HD

[michaelmag]

Great job! Whats that hanging behind your head?

[dadgadjohn]

That is my Lowden O12c/12-string. You can see that guitar in my "Cape Clear" video. In the non-heating seasons of the year, I hang all of the instruments up on the wall, within easy reach.

Thank you for watching.

[zimzoomit]

I first heard this song from a David Bromberg album. I tried to (clumsily, though) learn it on the fiddle, consequently, though my major instruments were my voice, acoustic guitar and lap dulcimer. Wonder what happened to Bromberg's arrangement that was up here? To me, like Eva Cassidy (D.C. area artist), Bromberg defies being "pegged/slotted" into only one genre of music, and I liked that.

[Tommy7FilmEpidodes]

DADGAD-tuning seems to go fine with a 12-string guitar with Celtic folk tunes.

thx 4 the performance!

Tommy

[trose01]

An amazing song done perfectly!!

[RileyBrady]

I really like your style. 12 string DADGAD! It's beautiful. I really wish I had a 12 string to try to fingerpick on - John Butler and you really inspire me!

The whole celtic folky style in this song is great. I look forward to listening to more of your stuff!

[MrTaylorN]

Awesome. Even with out mics or a direct plug in it sounds great!

[snappyturtle]

That was awesome John.- Frank

[JenniferMylod]

Beautiful John! As always! I see you've dug out the Taylor... always been my favorite! Sweet!