Luke Ward - New Bouzouki Lesson - Princess Royal

I have already introduced Luke Ward's lessons here. Today, Luke has published a new lesson. This time, it's about playing melodies. He teaches us the reel Princess Royal. A beautiful melody. He shows us how to play with the capo on the 7th fret. This has the advantage that we can reach the high notes better without having to change position. If you play an instrument in GDAE tuning, you can play the top three strings just like on a mandolin or banjo.

Here's the link to the lesson. 

Of course you have to be a member to watch the lesson.

Here's the version from the album by Luke Ward and Aaron O'Hagan

Here's an abc-file from thesession

X: 3
T: The Princess Royal
R: reel

M: 4/4
L: 1/8
K: Ador
|:ed|c2 Bc A2 e=f|edcB A2 (3efg|f2 d^c defd|edcB c2 BA|
B2 g2 B2 AG|ABAG E2 ed|c2 (3ABc BAGVB|(3ABA GB A2:|
|:cd|eaag a3 b|aged e2 ^cd|(3efg fa gfge|dcBA G2 AB|
c2 Bc d2 ^cd|ef (3gfe a2 ag|f2 A2 f2 gf|e^c (3ABc d2 ed|
c2 Bc ABcd|e2 E2 E2 ed|c2 (3ABc BAGB|(3ABA GB A2:|

Tempest - CD

Formed in 2023, Tempest has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in Irish traditional music. The band is composed of:

• Brendan Mulholland on flutes, bringing melodies and ornamentation to the fore 

• Blaithín Mhic Cana, whose expressive vocals draw on her native South Armagh singing tradition, especially the regional song lore 

• Aaron O’ Hagan, playing uilleann pipes along with flute and whistles, adding both tone and rhythmic drive 

• Luke Ward, on bouzouki and vocals, anchoring harmonic support and song texture 

Their self‑titled debut album was released on 1 February 2025. It has been widely praised by critics and the trad community for its confident presentation of both instrumental sets and song material rooted in Ulster’s musical heritage. 

Tempest’s repertoire embraces a balance of driving dance tunes and emotionally resonant songs. Their musical identity is firmly anchored in the heritage of Ulster—especially the northern province’s traditions—while also seeking fresh interpretations and energy.

Tempest Website

Tempest on Bandcamp

Bouzouki Workshops with Luke Ward - The Blacksmith - Andy Irvine's Version

Some time ago, I reported on the workshops that Luke Ward offers on Patreon. He offers two different series, one for beginners and a second for advanced players. He publishes a workshop twice a month. So far, he has devoted himself to various topics related to accompanying tunes. Mainly accompaniment in different keys. 

Now he has turned his attention to accompanying the song “The Blacksmith” in Andy Irvine's version. He sticks pretty closely to the version Andy plays live. He shows the intro and the accompaniment for the verses. Of course, there is also tablature for it. 

So if you've been hesitating to sign up, now there's one more important reason to do so. It's worth it!

Here's the link!

Here's a little excerpt of the tab, hope Luke doesn't mind.