I call this a fingerstyle improv because it’s based on a ukulele fingerpicking pattern. I play this on 16-string solid body BJL lyre
Monthly Archives: April 2026
#LyrePoem Cinquain #2 Dreams
Moonlight
Dances softly
Inviting me to play
And so I ask the Moon if dreams
Come true…
2 River Songs
Peace like a River and Michael, Row the Boat Ashore played on BJL lyres, starting with 16-string solid body.
7-string pentatonic, plucked and with Pickaso Guitar Bow.
Tuning: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5.
Now double strung, on 2 19-string acoustic lyres, which I think sound beautiful.
#LyrePoem Triolet #2 Boat Ride
Take comfort in the rocking boat.
Relax and leave the land behind.
Your mind and body gently float;
Take comfort in the rocking boat.
And in this moment, make a note,
While savoring the peace you find.
Take comfort in the rocking boat.
Relax and leave the land behind.
Lightly Row – BJL Lyres
Lightly Row, German folk song, played on 7-string pentatonic lyre with Pickaso Guitar Bow.
Tuning: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5.
16-string solid body lyre.
Double strung arrangement played on 2 19-string acoustic lyres.
#LyrePoem Haiku #2
Birds are returning
Building nests and laying eggs
Singing songs of Spring
Little Boat – BJL Lyres
Little Boat is a song I wrote in 2020. Take a listen to the melody played on 7-string pentatonic lyre with Pickaso Guitar Bow.
Tuning: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5.
Arrangement with harmony on 16-string solid body lyre.
And double strung, which is especially beautiful played on 2 19-string acoustic lyres.
#LyrePoem Rondelet #1 Strength
The strength I need
Is hard to come by many days.
The strength I need…
I call and call; it will not heed.
And when it comes, it doesn’t stay.
If only I could somehow save
The strength I need!
Children’s Songs on Lyre with Bow
Here are some familiar children’s songs on lyre with bow. They are easier to play than some other tunes, and the 7-string lyre makes it easier still. But make no mistake, this bow still has a huge learning curve!
Tuning: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5
Tunes:
Hot Cross Buns
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
London Bridge
Mary had a Little Lamb
Row Row Row your Boat
Enjoy the double strung arrangements of these tunes as well, played on 2 19-string acoustic lyres.
#LyrePoem Limerick #2 Lyres
Loving comfort is wrapped in the sound.
Young and elderly all gather round.
Radiant when it rings,
Ev’ry note, ev’ry string.
Simple beauty and magic profound!
Note: You may have noticed that this poem is an Acrostic as well as a Limerick.
Mystical Strings 
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