best method for self instruction?

[Rudy Mueller]

Comparing two instruction Method texts for zither, A. Kabatek and A. Darr:

Kabatek is designed with special regard to self instruction. Darr does not make this claim.

Both have the usual preface sections on basic music technicalities, the scale, measures, staves, etc. Kabatek recommends tuning those strings which will be used in the lesson; no need to get sidetracked into "perfect tuning" of the entire instrument.

Kabatek has three exercises on one string, the A griff string, prior to "lesson #1", without addition of the bass.

In lesson 1 and 2, Kabatek uses only three strings, the A griff string, and the C and G bass strings, no other accompaniment strings. A single accompaniment string is used in lessons 3,4,5, and a second in lesson 6, with major chords starting in lesson 10.

In lesson 1, Darr begins with 10 strings, the G, D, and A griff strings, the D and G Bass strings, and the b, g, d, f and a accompaniment strings, with the G and D chords starting in lesson 2.

Kabatek uses the bass clef for the bass line, Darr the treble.

It seems to this student that Kabatek eases one into the accompaniment while Darr jumps right in.

If having accompaniment/coordination issues and no teacher, and before discouragement sets in, one might find it useful to look at Kabatek, master the beginning lessons, then if desired, proceed to or add Darr......and don't forget Keyes scales. Indeed, all three of these references have proven useful at some point in the journey.

Rudi

[EliorMagen]

Thank you for this helpful rundown!!

Where can I find A. Kabatek's work?

[Dave]

Hello, and welcome to the zither forum. Following up on Rudi's post, the Kabatek method has been digitized and posted to the web site. You may download it via the following link:

http://www.zither.us/files/kabatek_zither_method.pdf