Kirtan describes a setting where we sing and play to Hindu deities. This video is however not about Hinduism, but about what to do when faced with a chord progression.

I go through a simple recipe:

Start by playing only the root notes (C in C major, D in D minor, etc) to get a feel for how the chords change. Play the root notes in different octaves.

Then, play only the root and the 3rd of each chord.

Progress to playing root, 3rd and 5th -the whole chord.

Then, mix them up!

I’ve written a sheet with the chords I have come across the most so far as a cellist. You can download it here.

‘C’ means C major.

‘Cm’ means C minor.

‘C7’ means C dominant seventh chord.

‘C^’ means C major seventh chord.

The musicians I play with in this video are Burak Mungan and Mattias Johnson.

Are you interested in more material on kirtan or medicine songs? Feel free to send me an email with your request!