Over the past year, guitarists around the world have been treated to one Manx tune a month on Culture Vannin’s YouTube page.

They have all been expertly demonstrated and explained step-by-step on film by Pete Lumb, former head of guitar for the Isle of Man Music Service.

All of the 19 free films are now available online with detailed instructions and free downloadable sheet music in both TAB and standard notation.

The Manx melodies featured in the series include Three Little Boats, Eunyssagh Vona, Smuggler’s Lullaby, Sea Invocation and Lhigey Lhigey.

Manx music development officer for Culture Vannin, Dr Chloë Woolley said: ’Music is a way to connect to the Isle of Man, whether you already enjoy Manx trad music or not.

’This new series of tuition films is designed to make it easy to step into the exciting world of Manx music, even for those who have never encountered it before.’

The Manx melodies themselves were arranged for finger-style guitar by James Franklin, Pete Lumb and Frank Woolley, and the collection suits a range of abilities from beginner to advanced players.

Chloë explains: ’The series offers a way for so many people all over the world to engage in Manx material, allowing them to take it in exciting new directions.’

Chloe also themed a series of historical articles in the Manx Independent around the tunes.

MUSIC AVAILABLE TO LEARN:

Smuggler’s Lullaby

Mannin Veg Veen

Arrane ny Niee

Arrane Ghelby

Creg Willy Syl

Eunyssagh Vona

Berree Dhone

Arrane ny Guilley Hesheree

Flitter Dance

Cutting the Turf/Hie mee Stiagh

Car ny Ferrishyn

Eisht as Nish

Shooyl Inneenyn

Yn Mheillea

Hop tu Naa

Kiark Catreeney Marroo

Three Little Boats

The Sea Invocation

Lhigey, Lhigey

Watch at: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB95FuN2S6jOuYc1cXLvFJn-cqmKeiJaD