The English Concertina Absolute Beginners Book

Learn Traditional English Concertina the Practical Way

The English Concertina Absolute Beginners Book is a practical English concertina tutor book for beginners wanting to learn traditional folk music. Written by accomplished English concertina player Alex Wade alongside experienced music educator Dave Mallinson, this tutor combines clear tuition, traditional repertoire and realistic step-by-step guidance for complete beginners.

Rather than overwhelming the learner with theory, this book focuses on getting real music under your fingers quickly. It teaches fingering, rhythm, phrasing and traditional repertoire in a way that builds musical confidence from the very beginning.

With 87 well-known traditional tunes covering English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and American traditional repertoire, this book also becomes a valuable long-term tune collection for sessions, ceilidhs, country dances, barn dances and social music-making.

Why This Book Works So Well for Beginners

This tutor was written specifically for adults learning without regular access to a teacher. Dave Mallinson’s experience as a self-taught traditional musician combines well with Alex Wade’s deep practical knowledge of English concertina playing.

The teaching approach is realistic, encouraging and grounded in how traditional musicians actually learn and play. The lessons gradually introduce scales, keys, rhythm patterns, dance forms and traditional repertoire while keeping the material musical and enjoyable.

Learn Traditional Music Through Real Tunes

Instead of relying only on exercises, the book teaches through genuine traditional repertoire. Learners gradually build confidence while playing recognisable melodies used in pub sessions, country dances, ceilidhs, folk gatherings and traditional music settings.

The material includes reels, jigs, polkas, hornpipes, sea songs, waltzes, slides, rants, double reels, Playford tunes, Morris tunes and traditional airs, giving beginners a broad grounding in folk repertoire and dance rhythms.

Foreword by David Ledsam

The book includes a foreword by David Ledsam, who recalls first hearing Alex Wade play for Rapper Sword Dance and immediately recognising her touch, speed and driving rhythm on the English concertina.

His foreword underlines Alex Wade’s musicianship and the value of this tutor for new players beginning their journey with the English concertina.

Structured Step-by-Step English Concertina Tuition

The lessons progressively introduce:

• Music basics for squeezers
• English concertina fingering chart
• The scale of C major
• The keys of G, D, E minor, A minor and A major
• 4/4, 6/8, 3/4 and 2/4 time signatures
• Sea songs, English tunes, Welsh tunes and Scottish tunes
• Country dance tunes and Playford repertoire
• Cotswold Morris tunes and Northumbrian tunes
• Slip jigs, slides, rants, double reels and double jigs
• Hornpipe rhythm and traditional dance phrasing

Ideal for Self-Taught English Concertina Players

This book is particularly useful for players learning independently at home. The pacing is sensible, the explanations are practical and the repertoire remains enjoyable throughout.

It suits complete beginners, returning players and musicians from other instruments wanting a structured introduction to English concertina in the traditional style.

Key Features

• Detailed beginner English concertina tutor
• Written by Alex Wade and Dave Mallinson
• Foreword by David Ledsam
• 87 traditional tunes included
• Traditional English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and American repertoire
• Covers reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas, waltzes, slides, rants and airs
• Designed for self-teaching adults
• Ideal for folk sessions, ceilidhs, country dances and traditional playing
• Optional companion CD available
• Clear progression from beginner onwards

Listen to a Sample Recording

If available, a sample recording can be added here to give players a feel for the traditional repertoire and teaching approach included in this tutor.

Specifications

• Title: The English Concertina Absolute Beginners Book
• Authors: Alex Wade and Dave Mallinson
• ISBN: 9781899512805
• Product Code: AM103
• Format: Book / CD / Book & CD options available
• Page Count: 32 pages

Included Tune List

At Squeezebox Marketplace

At Squeezebox Marketplace we carefully select traditional music tutors and tune books that genuinely help players progress. This title is a useful starting point for English concertina players wanting to learn traditional music properly, with realistic pacing and a strong repertoire base from the very beginning.

Explore More Concertina and Traditional Music Resources

Explore more English concertina books, concertina tutors and traditional music resources in our Concertina Books, Tutors & Tune Collections collection.

Looking for Anglo concertina tuition? Explore The Anglo Concertina Absolute Beginners Book.

You can also browse our wider Accordion & Melodeon Books, Tunes & Learning collection for additional traditional music resources.