That's how I like my stradella

[breezybellows]

The Stradella bass system is often used for simple rhythms—alternating bass and chords, maybe a few runs here and there. But there’s so much more it can do.

In this arrangement of Seven Nation Army, I’m using the left hand to do something a bit more adventurous:
The bass line grooves independently, weaving its own path.
The chords lock in the beat with a crunchy punch.
Together, they form a full, layered groove—before the right hand even joins in.

What makes this special is that everything is manually played—no backing tracks, no looped patterns. The deep bass, the syncopated rhythm, the crunchy harmonies—all controlled in real time with just one hand.

That’s the magic of the Stradella system: it’s not just accompaniment—it’s live, expressive multitasking.

Thanks for watching! If you enjoy creative accordion takes and rhythm experiments, consider subscribing.

 

[colinm]

Could someone explain the meaning of “groovy” please

 

[Tom]

Could someone explain the meaning of “groovy” please

Originally, back in the dark ages of the 60s, “groovy” meant cool, hip, right on, outa sight. Think tie dyed VW bug full of hippies.

In terms of what Breezy is doing here, “groovy” would imply that the song has a lot of “groove.” The groove is that aspect of the music that draws you in and along in a forward motion. A song with a lot of groove makes you want to nod your head and dance.

It’s known of like “blues”, hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it. Technically, you could say a good groove often relies on a syncopated rhythm which sets up a feeling of anticipation, thereby keeping the listener going forward.

Of course it’s way more than that but you know it when you get it. Think Uptown Funk, Michael Jackson, and my personal favorites, Sly and Robbie. I believe even you could get in the groove, Colin!

Who can name the (active) accordionists that get the groove going? Other than Breezy, who gets it…..

Here’s a groove for you:

 

[breezybellows]

I think

Could someone explain the meaning of “groovy” please

I think of it as a lopsided wheels that that spins unevenly but still keeps time with the metronome.

 

[Mike t.]

The Stradella bass system is often used for simple rhythms—alternating bass and chords, maybe a few runs here and there. But there’s so much more it can do.

In this arrangement of Seven Nation Army, I’m using the left hand to do something a bit more adventurous:
The bass line grooves independently, weaving its own path.
The chords lock in the beat with a crunchy punch.
Together, they form a full, layered groove—before the right hand even joins in.

What makes this special is that everything is manually played—no backing tracks, no looped patterns. The deep bass, the syncopated rhythm, the crunchy harmonies—all controlled in real time with just one hand.

That’s the magic of the Stradella system: it’s not just accompaniment—it’s live, expressive multitasking.

Thanks for watching! If you enjoy creative accordion takes and rhythm experiments, consider subscribing.

This is really cool! Very inspiring to push out from general accordion fodder!

 

[yanco]

wow! I would like that too, sometimes strong bass...

 

[JerryPH]

If you really want to see a master accordionist play around with opposing left/right hand rhythms, the late Guy Klusevic was the man.

 

[PhiliGol]

If you really want to see a master accordionist play around with opposing left/right hand rhythms, the late Guy Klusevic was the man.

Thank you Jerry for sharing that.
Took a sneak peak and will for sure watch with high attention.

 

[Mike t.]

If you really want to see a master accordionist play around with opposing left/right hand rhythms, the late Guy Klusevic was the man.

He is soooo far above me, I can’t even think in the time signatures he plays.