Category Archives: Mandolin

‘Waltz Time’ Licks: Mandolin Lesson

In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at some ‘Waltz Time’ Licks using the blues scale, major blues scale and arpeggios. Waltz time is the 3/4 time signature & all of these examples are in the key of A, but are movable in both open & closed positions. Other techniques we’ll be focusing on are down stroke picking, double stops & tremolo. Go to lesson...

101 Beginner Mandolin Crash Course

Welcome to the Pickin’ Lessons Beginner’s Crash Course in Mandolin!

This crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to play the mandolin. Focusing on traditional styles, the course will get you pickin’ some of your favourite melodies and learn how to accompany others, all while developing good technique and practice habits.

Go to lesson...

102 Mandolin Essentials

Welcome to the Pickin’ Lessons Mandolin Essentials Series.

In this mandolin series, we’ll cover important information that I believe will make you a better, more well rounded mandolin player. From working on building your knowledge of the fretboard, keys found in the open position, movable patterns, chords, rhythms, improvisation, useful theory and other similar topics, you will certainly grow your mandolin skills and understanding.

Go to lesson...

Angel Band: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson for ‘Angel Band’, we’ll take a look at an advancing intermediate arrangement of the song, using double stops, in a movable pattern (Key of B). The arrangement has 2 variations, one each for the verse & chorus melodies.

‘Angel Band’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along! Go to lesson...

Arkansas Traveler: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this jam packed Arkansas Traveler: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun & challenging arrangement for the intermediate/advanced picker. The arrangement has 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. Arkansas Traveler is a traditional fiddle tune in the key of D.

The first variation is a basic version of the melody with a handful of tricky licks for the advancing beginner/intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Arpeggio Licks: Mandolin

In this mandolin lesson we’ll follow up the Mandolin Arpeggios 101 mini-course by learning and analysing 13 licks that feature & focus on arpeggios. Make sure you’ve learnt the arpeggio patterns in the previous lesson, as in this lesson we won’t spend much time on the patterns, but rather analyse how to use them. Go to lesson...

Arpeggio Study No.1: Mandolin

As part of the lesson series covering arpeggios, this piece in the key of Dm, Arpeggio Study No.1, focuses on covering minor, major & dom7 arpeggios, found in the open position & up the neck. While the piece uses arpeggios exclusively, there is also an important focus on left-hand position & right-hand picking technique. Go to lesson...

Arpeggios | Blending With Minor Scales | Mandolin

In this mandolin lesson we’ll follow up the Mandolin Arpeggios 101 mini-course & Arpeggio Licks Lesson by learning and analysing a variety of licks that feature & focus on arpeggios, while blending with the natural minor & harmonic minor scales. Make sure you’ve learnt the arpeggio patterns & licks in the previous lessons, as in this lesson we won’t spend much time on the patterns, but rather analyse how to blend them with the minor scales. Go to lesson...

Arpeggios 101: Mandolin

Arpeggios are broken chords, in other words, the notes used to form a chord, played individually. Understanding how arpeggios are built and fluently being able to play many arpeggio variations will help your playing on all levels – improv, melody creation/analysis, building harmony lines, back-up…

In this Mandolin Arpeggios 101 mini-course, we’ll cover:

  • Common intervals used in arpeggios;
  • Open position major & minor arpeggios;
  • Movable major & minor arpeggios;
  • 4 note extensions – movable major 7, minor 7 & dominant 7 arpeggios;
  • Learn an example solo, using only arpeggio notes from each chord change;
  • Plus, strategies for developing the use of arpeggios in your own playing.
Go to lesson...

Arpeggios: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at some of the major & minor arpeggios found on the mandolin. Arpeggios form an important part of melody & improvisation, so it’s well worth getting your finger’s around them! The first video lesson focuses on the open position patterns, and in the second video we’ll take a look at movable arpeggios. Go to lesson...

Ash Grove, The: Mandolin Lesson (Chord Melody)

In this Chord Melody mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of a traditional waltz, The Ash Grove. The tune is in the key of D Major and the left hand chord positions can be quite a challenge. I would suggest this tune is for the advanced student, as placing the chords amongst the melody certainly makes the arrangement more difficult. Go to lesson...

Away In A Manger (Duet): Mandolin Lesson

Away In A Manger is traditional Christmas Carol, played at a slow tempo in 3/4 time. This chord melody & arpeggio arrangement is in the key of G, has two variations and features the ‘Cradle Song’ melody, being the most popular setting outside of the United States. Both variations are suitable for the advancing intermediate picker, and work equally well in duet with the guitar or played solo.  Go to lesson...

Banish Misfortune: Mandolin

Banish Misfortune has an awesome melody, with some interesting phrases and rhythm. Lot’s of fun to play & definitely one of my favourites! It’s a traditional Irish jig in the key of D mixolydian and has 3 parts. In this lesson we’ll look at 2 variations, the basic melody plus an advanced variation with more ornamentation, both suited to the more advanced picker.  Go to lesson...

Beginner’s Mandolin Songbook, The

12 Popular Songs Arranged for Easy Mandolin: Bluegrass, Old Time & Celtic Favourites!

beginner mando songbook album cover

This collection of songs for the beginner mandolin player has been arranged by Heath Joyce, in a graded sequence in their standard keys. Please Note: This is not a beginner method, only a songbook, so some prior knowledge is required, eg. Go to lesson...

Big Sciota: Mandolin Lesson

Howdy! Big Sciota is one of my all time favourite fiddle tunes. It has a sweet sounding melody and is great fun to play! In this Big Sciota: Mandolin Lesson we’ll take a look at an intermediate mandolin arrangement of the tune, played in the key of G. The melody sits in the open position, using the G major scale, so we’ll also take a look at how to play the scale, plus the arpeggios for the chords used in the tune. Go to lesson...

Billy In The Low Ground: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at Billy in the Low Ground, a popular fiddle tune played in the key of C. There are 2 variations in this arrangement, a basic, intermediate version and a more advanced variation. The lesson also includes technical work which covers some of the fundamental technique required for the tune & your general playing! Go to lesson...

Blackberry Blossom: Mandolin Lesson

Blackberry Blossom is a traditional fiddle tune, played in the key of G and is a great tune to pick on the mandolin! It’s is a very popular session tune, and is suited to the advancing picker. In a bluegrass setting, the tempo is usually fast with a pretty straight feel; and yet, it’s also a tune that can be played at a medium tempo with a bit of ‘bounce’. Go to lesson...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 1: Mandolin Lesson

In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and ‘get the sound’ is important, and in this lesson, we’ll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks! In the key of G, we’ll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Go to lesson...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 2: Mandolin Lesson

In this second instalment of Bluegrass Licks on the mandolin, we’ll dive into a movable set of licks, demonstrated in the key of B, but can be applied to any key or chord! We’ll focus on licks in two connected scale positions, linked with two double positions, a bunch of example licks and an example break over a standard chord progression using the 1 4 & 5 chords. Go to lesson...

Blues Lead Break (G): Mandolin Lesson

Let’s learn a blues lead break in the key of G on the mandolin! 12 bar blues with a shuffle feel, twice round, with lots of licks using the major & minor blues scale, up & down the neck. Also featuring double stops, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and a bend, this will certainly challenge the advancing picker! Go to lesson...

Blues Licks: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at some Blues Licks using the blues scale, major blues scale and arpeggios for the chords in the 12 bar blues, played in G. Other techniques we’ll be focusing on are down stroke picking, double stops & tremolo. The licks & concepts in this lesson will be suited to the advancing intermediate picker, wanting to develop their improvising skills. Go to lesson...

Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine: Mandolin

Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine is a traditional tune in the key of D Major. There are 2 variations within this arrangement. Firstly, the basic melody, perfect for a beginner picker, but also a great variation for any level, as knowing the basic melody really helps develop your knowledge of the tune, plus sometimes less is more! The Go to lesson...

Boys of Ballycastle: Mandolin Lesson

The Boys of Ballycastle is a traditional Irish hornpipe in the key of Em. In this fun arrangement for the intermediate picker, we’ll cover various ornaments & rhythmic variation within the melody; plus it’s a great exercise for the left-hand using all four fingers on the open position. Jump into the lesson & we’ll break down the tune together. Go to lesson...

Bury Me Beneath The Willow: Mandolin

Learn to play the bluegrass classic ‘Bury Me Beneath The Willow’ in a closed position, meaning it can be played in any key! There are two variations, the first is played using tremolo which is great for slower tempos. If the tempo is a little quicker though, the second variation is played using eighth notes and fits perfectly! Go to lesson...

Cherokee Shuffle (V2): Mandolin Lesson

Cherokee Shuffle is a popular American fiddle tune, played in the key of A. This is the second version here at Pickin’ Lessons and is a variation that features the lower tones of the mandolin. If you’re familiar with the open A major scale, it will help you get started, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Childgrove: Mandolin Lesson (Advanced Beginner Benchmark)

Childgrove is a traditional English country dance, played in the key of Am. There are 2 variations in the arrangement, and is a great benchmark for the advanced beginner. If you’re comfortable with the rhythm, left-hand position, articulation and variation’s within the tune, I would consider you to be an advanced beginner, and well on your way to an intermediate player. Go to lesson...

Chop Chord Shortcuts: Mandolin

Are you having trouble playing the 4 finger chop chord? Well this lesson is for you! Here we’ll take a look at easy ways to play chop chords using only 2 or 3 notes. The lesson has 3 parts:

  1. In the first lesson we’ll take a look at 3 easy major chop chords and practice playing along in a standard I IV V chord progression.
Go to lesson...

Colonel John Irwin: (Chord Melody) Mandolin Lesson

Colonel John Irwin is an Air, composed by Turlough O’Carolan. There are two parts to the tune, in the key of D and this arrangement is played in the chord melody style. With a very pretty melody, the chord melody structure adds another layer to the mix, giving it great depth and is a tune well suited to the advanced picker. Go to lesson...

Cooley’s Reel: Mandolin Lesson

Cooley’s Reel is a traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian) and this arrangement contains two variations. It has a great feel and features some difficult passages that use arpeggios, triplet slurs and pedal tones, all while giving your right-hand a brilliant work out. While a challenge for the advanced picker, Cooley’s Reel is super fun to play & sounds great! Go to lesson...

Cripple Creek: Mandolin Lesson

Cripple Creek is a popular bluegrass tune, played in the key of A. In this arrangement, we’ll cover four variations, beginning with an intermediate version, progressing into advanced variations that include some great techniques, double stops and bluesy embellishments on the melody. It’s a great tune, popular with banjo pickers, and with this mandolin break, you’ll keep up with the best of them! Go to lesson...

Cumberland Gap: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at the traditional fiddle tune, Cumberland Gap. A challenging, faster tempo bluegrass tune played in the Key of G. There are several variations within the break and is a challenging tune for the advanced picker. In this lesson we’ll break down how to play the tune, focusing on some exercises for fluency and exploring ideas to increase your tempo. Go to lesson...

Da New Rigged Ship: Mandolin Lesson

Da New Rigged Ship is a traditional Scottish reel, with a 3 part form. Part A & C are in Am (dorian), while part B modulates into A Major. There are two variations within the arrangement, the basic melody and a more advanced variation, featuring some great rhythm ornamentation. While the basic melody is easy enough to pick, this tune would suit the advanced picker due to the tempo and will be a great addition to your repertoire.  Go to lesson...

Danny Boy: Mandolin Lesson

Londonderry Air is a traditional Irish melody, that in 1913 English lawyer Frederic Weatherly, set the lyrics to his song Danny Boy. It is a beautiful melody, and in this arrangement on the mandolin we’re in the key of G and is well suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Featuring the chord melody technique, there are some challenges in performing this arrangement, but we’ll break it down together in the lesson.  Go to lesson...

Devil’s Dream: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Devil’s Dream: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune for the advancing beginner/intermediate picker. Devil’s Dream is a traditional fiddle tune in the key of A. It has challenging left hand note combinations featuring both arpeggios and scale passages and is a great work out for your right hand, crossing strings during many 8th note passages, but is darn fun to play & a great session tune! Go to lesson...

Drowsy Maggie: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Drowsy Maggie: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune. Drowsy Maggie is a traditional Irish Reel in the key of Em (dorian), sharing the same key signature as D (F# & C#). It has challenging left hand note combinations and is a great work out for your right hand, crossing strings during many 8th note passages, but is darn fun to play! Go to lesson...

Eleanor Plunkett (O’Carolan): Mandolin Lesson (Chord Melody)

Eleanor Plunkett is an Air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan and in the key of G. It has a very sweet melody, moves along gently and very rewarding to play. This arrangement is in a chord melody style, well suited to the intermediate picker wanting a challenge and sounds great played solo or with accompaniment, take your pick! Go to lesson...

Fairmoy Lasses: Mandolin Lesson

Fairmoy Lasses is a traditional Irish reel, in the key of Em in Part A and moves to G in Part B. Played at a fast tempo, it certainly suits the advanced picker, but also makes for a great technical exercise. The melody is fairly simple and in the lesson we’ll cover strategies you can use to help increase your tempo while learning the tune. Go to lesson...

Father O’Flynn: Mandolin Lesson

Father O’Flynn is a lively tune, in the key of D. It’s a jig, and in this lesson we’ll cover how to approach the right-hand to effectively capture the rhythm and pulse for the 6/8 time signature. Played at a fast tempo, this tune is well suited to the advanced picker, and this arrangement incorporates some advanced articulations for the right-hand. Go to lesson...

Fill Licks #2: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Fill Licks #2: Mandolin Lesson we’ll take a look at 6 movable licks that are built with the hybrid mixolydian blues scale. Make sure you’ve checked out the first Fill Licks: Mandolin Lesson as we are using the same scales, arpeggio patterns & theory when playing these new licks. Go to lesson...

Fill Licks: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Fill Licks: Mandolin Lesson we’ll take a look at 4 movable licks that are built with the hybrid mixolydian blues scale. These licks work great when played between vocal phrases in a song, but can also be used in general improvisation. The licks are all positioned conveniently around their equivalent chop chord. Go to lesson...

First Noel, The: (Chord Melody) Christmas Mandolin

Learn how to harmonise the melody with this pretty chord melody arrangement of The First Noel. In the key of D, we’ll look at the basic maj/min chord choices when harmonising the major scale, while keeping the melody on top. We’ll also break down the arrangement of the Christmas carol, looking at the different voicing of the chords, some of which are a challenge for the left-hand, so I’d suggest this lesson is for the intermediate student. Go to lesson...

Fretboard Freedom 101: The Musical Alphabet

Fretboard Freedom: The Musical Alphabet is the first lesson in a course that will help you unlock the fretboard, enabling you to find any note, double stop, chord, scale, arpeggio in any position. It will give you the freedom to find your way in any key and have the ability to transpose/reposition breaks, melodies & chord progressions and improve your ability to improvise. Go to lesson...

Fretboard Freedom 102: The Mandolin Octave Pattern

Using the mandolin octave pattern to gain fretboard freedom is a crucial and quick step to locate a note anywhere on the fretboard. By using the mandolin octave pattern and your knowledge of the notes on one or two strings (see Fretboard Freedom 101: The Musical Alphabet) it becomes quite simple to locate any note on any string, then play a chord, scale, arpeggio, etc. Go to lesson...

Fretboard Freedom 103: Major & Minor 3rd’s (Mandolin)

Using the major & minor 3rd interval patterns to gain fretboard freedom is a crucial and quick step to build arpeggios, double stops & develop your improvising anywhere on the fretboard. By using the interval patterns and your knowledge of the notes on the fretboard (see Fretboard Freedom 101: The Musical Alphabet) it becomes quite simple to unlock any chord, arpeggio, double stop, etc. Go to lesson...

Good Natured Man: Mandolin

 

The Good Natured Man is a great traditional Irish Hornpipe. In the key of G, the tune moves along at a quick tempo & features many triplets within the melody. As part of this lesson, we’ll focus on the efficiency of the picking hand, specifically looking at the follow-through & alternating picking techniques, directly relating to the triplet. Go to lesson...

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Christmas Chord Melody Mandolin

‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this mandolin lesson, we’ll learn a lovely chord melody arrangement. In the key of G, the melody is supported by 2 & 3 part harmony, with some challenging chord positions, which would be suited too the advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Hot Major Blues Licks: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at nine hot licks that are built with the major blues scale. We’re in the key of G for this lesson, with licks over the G, C & D chords in both the open position and up the neck. As part of this lesson we’ll dive into a little theory (major blues scale in open & movable patterns, plus the major arpeggio found inside the scale)  to help you understand how to use these licks and also start to build your own! Go to lesson...

Hot Pentatonic Licks: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at several bluesy Hot Pentatonic Licks! The licks are built using the minor pentatonic scale, blues scale and the minor pentatonic scale with the added major 3. As part of this lesson we’ll dive into a little theory to help you understand how to use these licks and also start to build your own! Go to lesson...

John Ryan’s Polka: Mandolin Lesson

John Ryan’s Polka is a well known traditional Irish polka, played in the key of D. In this lesson, we’ll cover the basic melody, but as simple as the melody is, we’ll then turn our attention to increasing speed in our playing. We’ll cover several speed exercises and an important strategy to help in your progress. Go to lesson...

Joy To The World: Christmas Mandolin

In this lesson for Joy To The World on the mandolin, we’ll take a look at a fun arrangement of the Christmas Carol played in a bluegrass style, for the both the intermediate & advanced picker. 

In the key of A, there are 2 versions inside this arrangement. The first is a basic version of the melody with plenty of space in the rhythm & a little extra bluegrass flavour added. Go to lesson...

King Of The Fairies: Mandolin Lesson

King Of The Fairies is a traditional Irish hornpipe, in the key of Em. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker with a nice variety of articulation, rhythm variation and ornaments. It has a very intriguing melody, which is really great to play on the mandolin and in this lesson we’ll cover how to capture the hornpipe feel and the challenging melody we’re faced with.  Go to lesson...

Kitchen Girl: Mandolin Lesson

Kitchen Girl is a traditional American Old-Time tune, in the key of A (mixolydian) in Part A and moves to Am in Part B, making it a great modal tune. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker, with some fun rhythm variations. With the key change from part A to B, this is a fantastic tune to pick, with a very interesting melody! Go to lesson...

Life’s Railway To Heaven: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson for ‘Life’s Railway To Heaven’, we’ll take a look at an advancing intermediate arrangement of the song, using double stops, in a movable pattern (Key of C). The arrangement has 2 variations, one each for the verse & chorus melodies.

‘Life’s Railway To Heaven’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along! Go to lesson...

Lord Inchiquin: Chord Melody Mandolin Lesson

In this Celtic Chord Melody mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of the Turlough O’Carolan tune, Lord Inchiquin. The tune is in the key of D Major and interestingly, the time signature we are in is 6/4 (six quarter note beats per measure).

The left hand chord positions can be quite a challenge, but the right hand is relatively straight forward. Go to lesson...

Maid Behind The Bar: Mandolin Lesson

The Maid Behind The Bar is a traditional Irish reel, with a 2 part form, in the key of D.  While an easy tune to pick up with a sweet melody, the tempo is fast, making it a great tune for the advanced picker wanting a challenge! In the lesson, we’ll cover the important techniques to focus on to help you get the tune up to speed.  Go to lesson...

Mason’s Apron: Mandolin Lesson

Mason’s Apron is a fast tempo, traditional Irish reel, in the key of A. In this lesson, we’ll learn an arrangement that features a great picking articulation that can be used to spice up lots of different tunes. The tune is relatively straight forward, when played at a slower tempo, but when played up to the usual tempo, does become more difficult, and is suited to the more advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Merry Blacksmith, The: Mandolin

The Merry Blacksmith is a traditional Irish reel in the Key of D. In this lesson we’ll learn the melody with the addition of some advanced ornamentation including the grace note slur and triplet 16th notes, suiting the advanced intermediate student. The added ornaments certainly spice up the tune, giving it an extra flair.  Go to lesson...

Monaghan Jig: Mandolin Lesson

The Monaghan Jig is an awesome tune in the key of Em, played at a fast tempo and suited to the  advanced picker. There are four parts to the tune, each presenting their own challenges; arpeggios, picking technique, 16th note rhythms plus ensuring the 6/8 feel is accented. Spend some time on this tune, it will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your repertoire! Go to lesson...

Mountain Dew (Build A Break): Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Build A Break mandolin lesson for ‘Mountain Dew’, we’ll take a look at 3 variations, starting out with the basic melody (beginner), adding double stops to the melody (intermediate) and finishing with melody, double stops & added passing notes (advanced).

The arrangement is in the key of Bb, and is a movable break. Go to lesson...

Movable Major Pentatonic Scale: Mandolin Lesson

Learn to play the first pattern from the ‘Mandolin Pentatonic Scales’ worksheet in this video lesson! Knowing how to play movable patterns on the mandolin is crucial in any style of music. In these videos you will learn how to play the first and second scales and also how to move them to different keys all over the fretboard. Go to lesson...

Mug of Brown Ale: Mandolin Lesson (Advanced Intermediate Benchmark)

The ‘Mug of Brown Ale’ is a great traditional Jig in the Key of Am (dorian), and loads of fun to play! The techniques used in the arrangement combined with the tempo make this a great benchmark for the advanced intermediate picker. The right-hand picking is certainly a challenge, with the 6/8 time signature needing a high level of control, and the left-hand needs to be efficient and make use of all fingers. Go to lesson...

Nine Pound Hammer: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a movable break for the song ‘Nine Pound Hammer’. Recorded in the key of A, the break is using a closed position major blues scale and double stops, so can be transposed to any key! The lesson also includes technical work which covers the major blues scale & double stop shapes required for the tune & and how to then transpose the break. Go to lesson...

O Come All Ye Faithful: (Chord Melody) Christmas Mandolin Lesson

‘O Come All Ye faithful’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this chord melody mandolin lesson, we’ll learn a variation that supports the melody in 2 part harmony (double stops). In the key of G, the dynamic rise and falls create a lovely sense of contrast to the piece. The melody is simple, but as we spice it up with these harmonies & dynamic contrast, it is a beautiful way to play the tune and a great addition to your Christmas repertoire!  Go to lesson...

O’Carolan #174: Mandolin Lesson

In this mandolin lesson, we’ll take a look at O’Carolan #174, written by the blind Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan in the 17th century. Well suited to the advancing beginner picker, the tune serves as a perfect study to develop right-hand technique in the 6/8 time signature. The title, devoid of a specific name, reflects the historical convention of cataloging O’Carolan’s vast repertoire by number. Go to lesson...

O’Carolan’s Draught: Mandolin Lesson

O’Carolan’s Draught is a tune, composed by Turlough O’Carolan and this arrangement is in the key of G. The tune has a very sweet melody, played at a medium tempo giving us the opportunity to be expressive while playing the melody with some dynamic contrast. Containing some excellent picking passages that include a little cross picking, this tune will be a really lovely addition to your repertoire. Go to lesson...

O’Carolan’s Dream: (Chord Melody) Mandolin Lesson

O’Carolan’s Dream has a beautiful melody composed by Turlough O’Carolan. In the key of Am, this arrangement features the chord melody technique throughout, which enables us to support the melody with the chords we find in the harmony, allowing this piece to sound great as a solo mandolin arrangement. With some difficult fretting hand positions, this piece is suited to the advancing intermediate picker – but, spend some time learning the melody and chord positions, and this piece will certainly be a rewarding addition to your repertoire.  Go to lesson...

Old Grimes: Mandolin Lesson

Old Grimes is an excellent traditional bluegrass tune, in the key of D. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker and will be a great addition to your repertoire! It’s a wonderful tune to pick and the combination of melody & chord movement has certainly moved this tune to quickly become one of my personal favourites. Go to lesson...

Old Joe Clark (V2): Mandolin Lesson

Old Joe Clark is a traditional American song/fiddle tune, typically played in the key of A. This is a very popular session tune, and this arrangement features an embellished melody, using a common approach to move around the main melody with surrounding scale notes. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker and in the lesson, we’ll break down the techniques to help you pick this wonderful session tune. Go to lesson...

Over The Waterfall: Mandolin Lesson

Over The Waterfall is a popular traditional tune, with a 2 part form, in the key of D and this arrangement contains two variations. The first variation is a basic version of the melody, well suited to the advancing beginner, while the second variation includes a typical embellished back & forth around the melody that you’ll here in many fiddle tunes by more seasoned pickers. In Go to lesson...

Ragtime Annie (V2): Mandolin Lesson

Ragtime Annie is a quick tempo, trad fiddle tune, played in the key of D. It’s a great session tune, and this arrangement features double stops – built to be played with power and at speed, great for a rowdy session! As we break down the tune slowly, it is quite manageable, all with the aim of once memorised, you’ll be able to dial up the tempo as needed! Go to lesson...

Rakes Of Kildare: Mandolin Lesson

The Rakes Of Kildare is traditional Irish jig, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of Am (dorian). During the lesson we’ll spend time working on the picking structure suited to the accents found in the 6/8 time signature, an important part of playing a jig. The tune is suited to an intermediate picker, has a great melody and is an excellent example of the jig picking structure. Go to lesson...

Road To Lisdoonvarna: Mandolin

Road To Lisdoonvarna is a traditional Irish Single Jig in the key of Em (dorian), sharing the same key signature as D (F# & C#). The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! As part of this lesson we’ll look at both a basic melody & then add a bit of flair with some added ornamentation.  Go to lesson...

Sailor’s Hornpipe: Mandolin Lesson

Sailor’s Hornpipe is a well known, traditional hornpipe, played at an up-beat tempo, in the key of G. With a jolly melody, the tune features arpeggios, some great scale movement, modulation and full use of the open fingering position on the mandolin. If you’re familiar with the open G major scale, it will help you get started, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Sailor’s Wife, The: Mandolin Lesson

The Sailor’s Wife is a traditional Irish jig (6/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Dm. The structure of the melody provides some challenging picking passages and left-hand movement, making it an appropriate study for the advanced intermediate picker. As part of the lesson, we’ll analyse the melody and picking technique within the 6/8 time signature and learn a fun tune! Go to lesson...

Salt Creek: Mandolin

 

Salt Creek is a great traditional fiddle tune and a popular session tune. In the key of A, the tune moves along at a quick tempo & this arrangement features 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. As part of this lesson, we’ll break down the ideas, which focus on the use of the mixolydian scale, with the addition of the minor 3rd. Go to lesson...

Scales & Technical Practice | Mandolin | Level 1

A course focusing on mandolin technique including scales, arpeggios, chords, rhythm, improvisation, speed development, general technique exercises & sight-reading.

Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on. Go to lesson...

Scales & Technical Practice | Overview

Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on.

Check out the Pickin’ Lessons structured, 2 part, scales & technical practice below. Give it a shot & I’m positive you’ll find yourself moving forward in no time! Go to lesson...

Shove The Pigs Foot A Little Further Into The Fire: Mandolin Lesson

This traditional tune is a lot of fun! The melody bounces along with a shuffle feel, and you can’t help being swept up in the joyful nature of the tune. In the key of G, this arrangement on the mandolin is well suited to the intermediate picker. Featuring quite a simple melody, the challenge can be playing up to tempo with the feel that we’re after, but we’ll break it down together in the lesson.  Go to lesson...

Silent Night: Bluegrass Christmas

A bluegrass arrangement of the Christmas Carol ‘Silent Night’ for guitar, banjo & mandolin!

Here’s a preview for the guitar, banjo (0.46)  & mandolin (1.30) arrangements:

MP3 Play-Along (all instruments) & Backing Track (rhythm guitar & mandolin)

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Slow Blues In G: Mandolin Lesson

In this lesson, we’ll learn a great blues break in the key of G. At a groovy, slow tempo, this blues is fun to play and is packed full of lots of great licks and ideas! We’ll cover the G7, C7 & D7 chord positions, looking at the major pentatonic, minor pentatonic & dominant 7th arpeggio patterns, and how the tones of the these patterns can be blended to create some great ideas, with a lot of analysis while we cover the licks. Go to lesson...

Southwind: Chord Melody Mandolin Lesson

Southwind is a traditional Irish waltz, played in the key of G. It has a very beautiful melody that we’ll first learn in its basic form, then spice it up with a chord melody arrangement that also features a little crosspicking. While the basic melody is very simple, I’d suggest the more advanced variation of the tune is suited to the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Star of Munster: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Star of Munster: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at an arrangement of this traditional Celtic reel for the advancing beginner/intermediate picker. The tune is played in  the key of Am (dorian mode).

A feature of this tune is the consistent 8th note rhythm structure, which makes for a great picking study, but also gives the tune a real drive. Go to lesson...

Sweet By And By: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this mandolin lesson for ‘In The Sweet By And By’, we’ll take a look at an intermediate arrangement of the song, using double stops, in a movable pattern (Key of C). The arrangement has 2 variations, one each for the verse & chorus melodies.

‘In The Sweet By And By’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along! Go to lesson...

Three Sea Captains: Mandolin Lesson

The Three Sea Captains is a traditional Irish jig, played at a medium tempo, in the key of G. With a jolly melody, both the A & B parts are longer than the usual fiddle tune, making for a more substantial tune to pick. I’d suggest that you need to be comfortable with the jig picking structure, as this tune takes it up a notch with a variety of rhythmic variation featured throughout, making this tune more suited to the advanced intermediate picker.  Go to lesson...

Trip To Sligo: Mandolin Lesson

Trip To Sligo has a beautiful, yet haunting melody and in this lesson we’ll take a look at an arrangement on the mandolin in the key of Em. In 6/8 time (Jig), there are some challenging right-hand picking combinations, plus some great arpeggio & scale movement, making this lesson suitable for an intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Trumpet Hornpipe: Mandolin Lesson

The Trumpet Hornpipe (AKA Captain Pugwash Theme) is a traditional Irish hornpipe in the key of G. There are 2 parts to this up-tempo tune and it is suited to the intermediate picker. The tune makes for an excellent study, as it features the hornpipe feel (shuffle), some great triplets that are a real highlight of the tune, arpeggios and some excellent scale patterns that are great technical exercises. Go to lesson...

Turkey In The Straw (Adv): Mandolin Lesson

Turkey In The Straw is an American folk song with a well known melody, commonly played as a tune in a bluegrass session. It’s a popular tune is in the key of G, and this is the second arrangement found on Pickin’ Lessons. The first is a beginner friendly version, while in this arrangement, we’ll up the ante, filling in the space in a typical fiddle tune style, ending up with a more challenging version which is great fun to play!  Go to lesson...

Waltzing Matilda (Chord Melody): Mandolin Lesson

Waltzing Matilda is a well known traditional Australian bush song, and in this version on the mandolin, we’ll look at a chord melody arrangement in the key of G. You can find the basic melody and a bluegrass inspired arrangement on Pickin’ Lessons, but here, the melody is supported by 2 & 3 note chords in the chord melody style, and suits the tune very well. Go to lesson...

Wayfaring Stranger: Mandolin Lesson

In this mandolin lesson we’ll look at a movable break for ‘Warfaring Stranger’ using the minor pentatonic scale, double stops & tremolo. Wayfaring Stranger has a wonderful melody, but being a song, can be played in many different keys, usually chosen by the vocalist. Having a break that you can easily transpose is a very handy thing to have up your sleeve. Go to lesson...

We Three Kings of Orient Are: Christmas Mandolin

‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this lesson we’ll learn two verse variations, perfect for an introduction or solo. In the key of Am, we’ll cover a pretty tremolo version of the basic verse melody for the advanced beginner, then, moving in to a great chord melody verse variation suited to the advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Mandolin Lesson

G’day! In this Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Mandolin Lesson we’ll take a look at the basic melody, played in the open position (Key of A), an advancing beginner arrangement in a movable pattern, using tremolo (Key of D) and finish off with an intermediate arrangement of the tune, using double stops also in a movable pattern (Key of G). Go to lesson...