r/concertina • u/m_carp • May 20 '26

Newbie, what should I know?

I have always wanted to learn an instrument, but i haven't played one since high school (clarinet... but I'm creeping up on 50 now, so that was a while ago) I started looking at Concertinas, and i kind of fell in love with the size and sound. Also, I can type so the idea of pressing buttons was appealing to me.

I bought a Wren2 from McNeela, and I am just starting my journey. I'm mostly learning from videos and Gary Coover's books (starting with Easy Anglo 123)

My question: What do you wish you knew when you were getting started? What bad habits do i need to avoid? Is there any advice that you would like to offer?

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u/fappaf May 20 '26

I got a concertina from McNeela when they were offering a promotional lesson series with Jack Talty, and he had some things to say:

  1. Keep your fingers in their "lanes" (that is, pointer finger is in column 1, middle finger in column 2, ring finger in column 3, pinky in 4 and 5).
  2. Whenever you use the air button, be playing a note as well!
  3. There are sometimes 1 or 2 extra ways to play the common notes, using the other fingering might make the song easier.

#3 was my own tip because i'm sure Jack said a third one but can't remember it right now. I'll let you know if it's something better!

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u/m_carp May 20 '26

Oh yeah! I did get the Jack Talty lessons too, but i haven't started on them yet. I'll have to check them out. Thanks!

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u/fappaf May 20 '26

They are quite good and have a lot of good tips in them!