4. THE POLKA AND THE JOLLY ROVING TAR

The Polka originated in Bohemia and spread first to the surrounding countries, where it evolved under the influence of various traditions. A Polish polka, for instance, might feature a third section in the relative minor key, like the Trio section of a classical Minuet. A Slovak polka could have extended phrases, making twenty bars out of the usual sixteen. The dance soon became widely popular, so it’s not unusual to speak of an Irish or Mexican polka. Song accompaniment in the maritime world was usually accomplished on the smaller ‘sea-going’ guitars, like the tenor guitar and the Portuguese machete. To simulate the sound of these instruments, avoid strumming the bass (E and A) strings.