Lesson 3

In Lesson 3, we will explore the jump from the previous lesson. In the example below we have a jump from a C to an A again, however, we have changed the key to F.

The yodel starts on the 5th step and the voice breaks to the 3rd then down to the F. This is common in yodeling. Be sure to use plenty of air support for this phrase. In this phrase we are landing on the 3rd of the F chord and the b7th of the C7 chord.

3a.

Take it slow and try to get clarity of the notes. Again, great breath support helps with this. Do the whole phrase in one breath. The double time on the C and the Bb are quick and will take practice. You should bounce your tongue off the roof of your mouth. Don't hurt yourself.

3b.

To review for the performance in this lesson, let's practice 16th notes and speed up our foundation notes. The technique is to bounce your tongue off the roof of your mouth. Practice this phrase and keep the notes crisp and clear. Start slowly and increase speed as you find your groove.

Yodeling in the mountains is different than singing a yodel phrase in a song. Your voice has to travel a long way to bounce off the cliff faces. The first thing to do is cup your hands around your mouth to direct the sound and keep it from disbursing. Then yodel in long tones. For example stretch out the yodel to quarter, half and whole notes. Depending on the echo, you can hear this many times through the valley. Check out YODELOPS for great places to yodel.

3c.

Bring the phrase together and smoothly transition from the F to the C7 chord.

Featured Artist

Franzl Lang (The Yodel King, Der Jodlerkönig)

Germany

When Franzl Lang passed away in December 2015, a great friend was lost. I have been listening and yodeling with him for 30 years. His yodeling got me through tough times. I can remember getting a new album and going crazy when I heard a new yodel. Fortunately I got to see him a couple times live, and he was so funny and the yodeling was brilliant. This site is dedicated to his memory.

With over 40 albums and 250 recordings, Franzl Lang is surely the most recorded yodeler. Interestingly, he has become a YOUTUBE sensation as people mash and mix his recording of Einen Jodler Hör I Gern and has collected over 7 million views. Thanks to the internet, many more people get to hear his artistry.

Along with Jimmy Rogers, Franzl Lang has been inducted into the Yodeler Hall of Fame in 2015.