Musical Washboard, learn simple percussion for fun and gigs! from Udemy

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Did you ever hear anyone playing washboard?

It's a fantastic sound - and so easy to play.

My main instrument for playing and teaching is harmonica and I like to vary my act by swapping between the two.

How about playing washboard and harmonica at the same time? Yes it can be done. I end up playing both badly when I try that.

Whenever I get the washboard out you can see the audience staring at it and pointing before discussing with their friends. What are they saying I wonder? 'What in the world has he got there...?'

In this course I share my extensive experience and love of music to bring you the basics of washboard playing.

It's a little drum kit but it's portable, cool, easy to play and cheap to buy. This is a different type of percussion instruction but it does the same job.

If you have ever wanted to be involved in music but didn't get the right opportunities you just found one. With the skills you learn here you can immediately join in with another musician - from the front porch, to a bbq or join a session.

Washboards are commonly used in Country Music, Jug Bands, Bluegrass, Blues, Skiffle, Jazz, Folk, Old Timey, Americana and loads more.

I've played mine in Irish sessions many times and it works well there as well.

It's great in any acoustic music such as rock, reggae, ska, 'world', and more.

There is no instrument as versatile as the washboard - you can even use it for cleaning your clothes, which other instrument can do that?

Ben

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will learn the basics of washboard playing
You will learn how to tap and scrub
You will learn different ways to tap and scrub
You will learn country waltz, jig and 4 beat rythyms

You will learn about cajun style, nola style, blues style, country style, old timey style
You will learn how to practice
You will learn how to play in a band

You will learn the basics of washboard playing
You will learn how to tap and scrub
You will learn different ways to tap and scrub
You will learn country waltz, jig and 4 beat rythyms
You will learn about cajun style, nola style, blues style, country style, old timey style
You will learn how to practice
You will learn how to play in a band

Syllabus

Introduction and starting place

Please watch the trailer first

Let me introduce you to the course

Which washboard do you need?

Tapping basics

Adding one scrub

Adding two scrubs

Feedback

Demo of different techniques

3/4 time - three beats in a bar

Let's get jazzy

How are you getting on?

Washboard players' role

Cajun style

Nola style

Let's practice

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides an introduction to playing the washboard, which is known for being portable, easy to learn, and relatively inexpensive compared to other instruments

Covers various musical styles such as Country, Jug Band, Bluegrass, Blues, Skiffle, Jazz, Folk, Old Timey, Americana, and more, showcasing the instrument's versatility

Teaches basic techniques like tapping and scrubbing, which are fundamental to playing the washboard and provide a foundation for more complex rhythms

Includes instruction on country waltz, jig, and 4-beat rhythms, offering practical applications of the washboard in different musical contexts

Explores Cajun, Nola, Blues, Country, and Old Timey styles, exposing learners to the diverse ways the washboard is used across genres

Offers guidance on practicing, which is essential for developing proficiency and confidence in playing the washboard

Reviews summary

Fun, easy washboard for beginners

According to learners, this course is a fun and easy way to learn the washboard basics. The instructor, Ben, is enthusiastic and makes the lessons clear and engaging. Students found the course covers essential techniques like tapping and scrubbing effectively, including different rhythms and styles such as Cajun and Nola. It's widely seen as great for absolute beginners and hobbyists looking to add simple percussion to their skills. However, some reviewers felt it might be a bit basic if you already have percussion experience and suggested more content on playing in a band or advanced techniques could be beneficial. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for starting with this unique instrument.

Effectively teaches tapping, scrubbing, rhythms, and styles.

"Covers the basics - tapping, scrubbing, different rhythms."

"The examples are clear and easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed the sections on different styles like Cajun and Nola."

"Ben teaches the core techniques effectively."

Instructor Ben is enthusiastic, clear, and effective.

"Ben is a good teacher and clearly loves the instrument."

"Fantastic course! Ben is engaging and breaks down the techniques perfectly."

"Ben's enthusiasm is infectious."

Provides a solid foundation for absolute beginners.

"Highly recommend for anyone wanting to add some rhythm to their life without needing complex skills."

"The pace is good for absolute beginners."

"Great for beginners!"

Makes learning the washboard simple and enjoyable.

"What a fun course! Ben makes it really easy to pick up the washboard."

"Loved this course! So much fun. Ben's enthusiasm is infectious. Learned simple rhythms quickly."

"Easy, fun, and informative. Ben makes learning the washboard a joy. Great value."

May be too simple for experienced percussionists.

"felt a bit basic. If you already have some percussion experience, it might not offer much new information."

"Okay course, but felt a bit basic."

"Expected a little more on improvising or playing in different band setups."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Musical Washboard, learn simple percussion for fun and gigs! with these activities:

Explore 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Harmonica'

Show steps

Provide context for the washboard by learning about the harmonica, a common pairing.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introductory chapters on harmonica basics.
Practice basic harmonica techniques.

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce understanding of musical concepts like rhythm and meter to improve washboard playing.

Browse courses on Harmony

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Review online resources or textbooks on music theory.
Focus on rhythm, meter, and time signatures.
Practice identifying different rhythms by ear.

Practice Rhythmic Patterns

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Solidify rhythmic skills by practicing common patterns used in washboard music.

Show steps

Find sheet music or tutorials for common rhythms.
Practice each rhythm slowly and accurately.
Gradually increase the tempo as you improve.

Four other activities

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Record Yourself Playing

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Improve playing by recording and analyzing your performance.

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Set up a recording device (phone, computer, etc.).
Record yourself playing different rhythms and styles.
Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement.

Read 'Blues Harmonica For Dummies'

Show steps

Learn about the blues harmonica to better understand the musical context of the washboard.

View Blues Harmonica For Dummies (For Dummies... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the chapters on blues harmonica techniques.
Practice basic blues harmonica riffs.

Join a Jam Session

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Apply washboard skills in a real-world musical setting.

Show steps

Find a local jam session or open mic night.
Prepare a few simple rhythms to play along with.
Attend the session and join in when appropriate.

Create a Washboard Rhythm Tutorial

Show steps

Solidify knowledge by teaching others through a tutorial.

Show steps

Choose a specific rhythm or technique to teach.
Create a video or written tutorial explaining the steps.
Share the tutorial online or with other musicians.

Career center

Learners who complete Musical Washboard, learn simple percussion for fun and gigs! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Musician

A musician crafts and performs music, often specializing in an instrument. This course focuses on the musical washboard, presenting it as a portable, cool, easy to play, and cheap alternative percussion instrument to a drum kit, that maximizes audience engagement. It shows how the washboard is versatile and has applicability to genres such as country, jazz, folk, and more. Taking this course in particular helps develop the skills to join in with another musician, be it at a barbecue or a jam session. The course covers how to tap and scrub, how to play country waltz, jig and 4 beat rhythms, and how to play cajun style, nola style, blues style, country style, and old timey style. You can learn the basics of washboard playing in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Music Teacher

A music teacher instructs students on musical instruments, music theory, and performance techniques. This course introduces the washboard, framing it as a simple and accessible instrument. The methods taught may be incorporated into beginner music courses to show students the joy and ease of playing an instrument. With the course, you can discover how to make the washboard accessible. It delivers the basics of washboard playing through instruction on tapping and scrubbing, different rhythms, and a number of styles, like cajun and blues. This course may be especially useful for instructors aiming to make music education fun and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Percussionist

A percussionist plays a variety of instruments to create rhythms and textures in music. This course provides a unique introduction to the washboard as a percussion instrument. This course provides training on using a washboard as a rhythm instrument. The skills learned include tapping and scrubbing techniques, and different rhythms, such as country waltz, jig, and 4 beat. The course also discusses how to play in a band. For percussionists looking to expand their repertoire, this course may provide insights into the versatility and application of the washboard across genres, from country to jazz and beyond.

See salaries and explore the career path for Percussionist

Band Leader

A band leader directs a musical ensemble, guiding rehearsals and performances. This course introduces the washboard as a versatile, audience-engaging instrument that can be incorporated into various genres. It shows how this instrument may be added to different kinds of bands or ensembles. The instruction provided in the course on styles such as Cajun, Nola, Blues, Country, and Old Timey might be helpful in shaping the band's sound. With this course, a band leader can widen their band’s repertoire by incorporating the washboard, offering a unique and engaging element to performances.

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Session Musician

A session musician is hired to play on recordings or live performances. This course teaches the basics of playing the musical washboard. The course also offers instruction on how to play in bands, how to practice, and different musical styles. The course highlights the washboard’s applicability to various genres. If a session musician is looking to expand their instrumental skills, this particular course helps develop a unique musical style.

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Instrument Repair Technician

An instrument repair technician specializes in fixing and maintaining musical instruments. While the washboard is relatively simple, understanding its construction and potential issues can be helpful. By taking this course you can learn about the washboard. This course introduces the washboard and explains its use in different settings. This course may be useful for broadening the technician's expertise, especially if they encounter this instrument in folk or roots music settings.

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Music Event Organizer

A music event organizer plans and manages musical performances, festivals, and concerts. The course introduces the washboard as a versatile instrument that enhances audience engagement, and it also highlights the washboard’s fit within many genres. This helps with the selection of acts. With this course, an event organizer can get a better sense of the kind of music to book. Genres noted in this course include Country Music, Jug Bands, Bluegrass, Blues, Skiffle, Jazz, Folk, Old Timey, and Americana.

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Music Journalist

A music journalist writes about music, providing reviews, interviews, and features for publications. This course provides insight into the washboard. This course may be useful as it introduces the washboard as a versatile instrument with applicability in diverse genres. This course is helpful for enriching knowledge about musical instruments, especially in genres like country, jazz, and folk. With the course, a music journalist can gain a deeper understanding of the washboard's role in music.

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Radio DJ

A radio DJ plays music and provides commentary on the radio. By taking this course, you will learn to play the washboard. This course highlights the washboard’s versatility. It may be helpful in expanding a DJ's knowledge of instruments. The course presents the basics of washboard playing. This course may be helpful for radio personalities looking to expand their musical knowledge and ability to engage listeners.

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Music Therapist

A music therapist uses music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The washboard may be relevant in therapeutic settings. According to the course, the washboard is cool, easy to play, and cheap to buy. This course may be relevant. It introduces the washboard, and highlights its use in diverse genres. This course may be helpful for introducing simple, engaging instruments to patients.

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Sound Engineer

A sound engineer records, mixes, and masters audio for music and other media. The course touches on a number of genres applicable to this instrument. This course exposes audio engineers to the sound and versatility of the washboard. The skills taught in this course may be helpful for those who are less familiar with the instrument. This course may be useful for understanding how to capture the instrument's unique sound effectively.

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Choral Director

A choral director leads a choir or vocal ensemble. This course introduces the washboard as a rhythm instrument, and it may be useful for understanding how rhythm is introduced into a musical set. Though the washboard is unusual choice for this setting, the course may be useful for understanding varied instruments. This course may be helpful for those looking for new ideas for a choir.

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Ethnomusicologist

An ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures. This course introduces the washboard in the context of several folk musical styles. The course specifically references Cajun, Nola, Blues, Country, and Old Timey styles. Given the instrument's roots in folk and Americana music, this course may be useful to the ethnomusicologist to learn about instruments. This course may be helpful for those who want to learn about lesser known instruments.

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Arts Administrator

An arts administrator manages the business and organizational aspects of arts programs. This course may be helpful. It introduces the washboard's use in a variety of musical settings. The course frames the washboard as a versatile and affordable instrument that can enhance performances. This course may be helpful for those looking to broaden the scope of the instruments their musicians use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

A DJ plays recorded music for an audience, often mixing tracks and creating transitions. While not a traditional DJ instrument, understanding the range of percussion instruments can be helpful. The course also touches on a number of genres applicable to this instrument. This course presents the washboard and its range of musical styles. This course may be useful for DJs looking to broaden their musical knowledge.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Musical Washboard, learn simple percussion for fun and gigs!.

Blues Harmonica For Dummies

Save

Since the course instructor mentions playing harmonica, this book can help students who want to combine washboard and harmonica playing. It provides a solid foundation in blues harmonica techniques. It's a useful resource for expanding one's musical skills beyond the washboard. is valuable for students who want to explore playing multiple instruments simultaneously.

Blues Harmonica For Dummies (For Dummies (Music))

Paperback

Blues Harmonica For Dummies

Kindle Edition

Alter Ego

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to playing the harmonica, an instrument often paired with the washboard. It covers basic techniques, music theory, and various playing styles. Reviewing this book can help students understand the musical context in which the washboard is often used and potentially learn to play both instruments simultaneously, as suggested in the course description. It's a good resource for expanding musical skills beyond the washboard.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Musical Washboard, learn simple percussion for fun and gigs!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Fun, easy washboard for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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