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...
Category Archives: Intermediate Mandolin
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.
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...
Angeline The Baker: Mandolin Lesson
An arrangement of Angeline The Baker for the mandolin! In this arrangement, there are 3 different versions.
Here’s the preview and lesson for variation #1:
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...
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.
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...
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...
Back Side of Albany: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In this Back Side of Albany: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun & challenging arrangement for the beginner & intermediate picker, containing 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. Back Side of Albany is a traditional American reel in the key of Em (dorian). Go to lesson...
Big Sandy River: Mandolin Lesson
Learn how to play the traditional Old Time/Bluegrass fiddle tune ‘Big Sandy River’ on the mandolin with this video lesson. This version contains 2 breaks with a number of variations for both Parts A & B. 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...
Bill Cheatham: Mandolin Lesson
Hey! In this mandolin lesson we’ll learn Bill Cheatham.
Here’s the preview and in depth lesson for Part A
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...
Black Mountain Rag: Mandolin
Learn to play the traditional Old Time/Bluegrass fiddle tune ‘Black Mountain Rag’ on the mandolin with the help of this video & tablature. There are 2 breaks; the first in the key of D, then moving into the key of A.
Black Nag, The: Mandolin
Learn to play traditional Celtic tune ‘The Black Nag’ on the mandolin with this video lesson & tablature. 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...
Blarney Pilgrim, The: Mandolin Lesson
In this Traditional Celtic mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a great jig, The Blarney Pilgrim. The tune is in the key of G Major, has 3 parts and would suit the intermediate student.
The left hand positions are relatively straight forward, but the right hand has some difficult rhythms to contend with. 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...
Boston Boy: Mandolin
Learn to play this Bluegrass fiddle tune ‘Boston Boy’ on the mandolin with this video lesson. In the key of C, this break is inspired by the fiddle playing of Kenny Baker.
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...
Boys of Bluehill, The: Mandolin
Learn to play the traditional Irish Hornpipe ‘The Boys of Bluehill’ on the mandolin with the help of this video & tablature.
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...
Cherokee Shuffle: Mandolin
Learn to play Cherokee Shuffle on the mandolin with this video lesson. This is always a popular tune at sessions, so get it under your fingers! 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:
- 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.
Cold Frosty Morning: Mandolin
An arrangement of Cold Frosty Morning for mandolin. This arrangement has 2 versions, a basic and an advanced version.
Lesson Preview
Go to lesson...Congress Reel: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at the traditional Irish tune, Congress Reel. A challenging reel, the tune is in A Dorian, a minor mode. Being the 2nd mode of G Major, it shares the same key signature and contains the notes A B C D E F# G. Go to lesson...
Connaughtman’s Rambles: Mandolin
The Connaughtman’s Rambles is a great jig in the key of D, played at a medium/fast tempo and suited to the advancing intermediate picker. During the lesson we’ll focus in on the picking technique required to suit the 6/8 time signature, while also working on the grace note slide and pull off. Go to lesson...
Cordal Jig: Mandolin Lesson
The Cordal Jig is a traditional Irish jig in the key of D. This arrangement on the mandolin has two variations, a more basic version of the tune, plus an advanced version that features more embellishment and variation, and will be a great tune for the advancing intermediate picker. It is a fantastic melody to pick, played at an upbeat tempo and will be a great addition to your trad repertoire! 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...
Cuckoo’s Nest: Mandolin
Here’s an arrangement of Cuckoo’s Nest for the mandolin. Such a fun tune to play!
Lesson Preview
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...
Deck The Halls: Mandolin Lesson
An arrangement of the Christmas Carol “Deck The Halls” for the mandolin. In the key of G, this arrangement has 2 versions. The first is the basic melody, while the second is an advanced, bluegrass inspired version.
Here’s a preview to 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...
Double Stops: Mandolin Lesson
Learn 4 easy to use, movable double stops! Double stops are an important part of playing the mandolin. They can be used in a variety of ways to bring harmony and texture to a melody and accompaniment.
Double Stop Video Lesson
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...
Fiddler’s Dram/Whiskey Before Breakfast: Mandolin
Here’s a pickinlessons.com medley arrangement of these 2 tunes that work great together as a medley! Both tunes are in the Key of D.
Lesson Preview
Go to lesson... Finnish Polka: Mandolin Lesson
The Finnish Polka is a traditional polka, in the key of Bm, featuring the 2/4 time signature and played at quite a brisk tempo. For the intermediate picker wanting to work on increasing speed, this lively tune is a great technique workout for the right-hand, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! 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...
Fisher’s Hornpipe: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at Fisher’s Hornpipe, a great traditional tune in the key of D.
Here’s the preview and lesson for Part A:
Go to lesson... Flowers Of Edinburgh: Mandolin Lesson
The Flowers Of Edinburgh is traditional Scottish reel, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G. Well suited to the intermediate picker, and with a fluent knowledge of the G Major scale, this tune is awfully fun to pick. The tune is played in the open position, with a great work out for the pinky in Part B. Go to lesson...
Foxhunters, The: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In The Foxhunters: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune at an intermediate level. The Foxhunters is a traditional Irish Slip Jig (9/8 time) in the key of D. The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! 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...
Hand Me Down My Walking Cane: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a break for the song Hand Me Down My Walking Cane. The arrangement is in the key of A, but uses only closed positions, so can be easily transposed to any key.
Here’s the preview and part 1 of the lesson:
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...
Harvest Home: Guitar & Mandolin
Learn to play the Celtic tune ‘Harvest Home’ on the guitar & mandolin (0.55 min) with this video & PDF of both TAB/standard notation.
Hobart’s Transformation: Mandolin & Banjo
Learn to play the Celtic tune ‘Hobart’s Transformation’ on the banjo & mandolin (00:43) with the help of this video & TAB.
Mandolin-Hobarts Transformation (Tab)
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...
June Apple: Mandolin
Here’s an arrangement of the popular session fiddle tune ‘June Apple’ for the mandolin! The tune is in the key of A.
Lesson Preview
Go to lesson...Katy Hill: Mandolin
Kid On The Mountain: Mandolin Lesson
The Kid On The Mountain is traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em. There are five parts to the tune, each containing some excellent picking passages that require us to accent the 3 beats found in each measure, whilst ensuring we apply an appropriate picking technique. 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...
Liberty: Mandolin
Learn to play Liberty on the mandolin with this video lesson. This is my arrangement with a bit of crosspicking thrown in for good measure! 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...
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...
Merrily Kissed The Quaker: Mandolin Lesson
In this Traditional Celtic mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a fun tune, Merrily Kissed The Quaker. The tune is in the key of G Major, has 3 parts and would suit the intermediate student.
The left hand positions are relatively straight forward, but the right hand has some difficult rhythms to contend with. 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...
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...
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...
Ode To Joy (Crosspicking Study): Mandolin
Learn to play Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ on the mandolin using a crosspicking technique in this video lesson. This is a great study to help improve your crosspicking control. 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...
Pig Ankle Rag: Mandolin
Here’s my version of ‘Pig Ankle Rag’ on the mandolin. It’s a fun tune – give it a go with the help of this video & tablature!
Ragtime Annie: Mandolin
Learn how to play the traditional fiddle tune ‘Ragtime Annie’ on the mandolin with this video lesson. 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...
Riding On A Load Of Hay: Mandolin
Riding On A Load Of Hay is a fun polka (2/4) in the key of Em (Dorian Mode), played at a fast tempo, and suited to the intermediate picker. There are two parts to the tune, with the rhythm structure well suited to the intermediate picker in helping to develop speed, without the need to play too many notes. 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...
Rolling Waves, The: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In The Rolling Waves: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune for the intermediate picker. The Rolling Waves is a traditional Irish jig in the key of D. It has a sweet melody, while the 6/8 time signature presents a challenge for the technique. 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...
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)
Go to lesson...Soldier’s Joy: Mandolin
An advanced arrangement of Soldier’s Joy for the mandolin. Inspired by the playing of David Grisman and Larry Rice, there are a number of variations within the arrangement. 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...
St Anne’s Reel: Mandolin
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...
Swallowtail Jig, The: Mandolin Lesson
Learn to play The Swallowtail Jig on the mandolin with this video lesson. 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...
Temperance Reel: Mandolin
Learn to play Temperance Reel on the mandolin with this video lesson. Go to lesson...
Ten Penny Bit: Mandolin Lesson
G’day! In this Ten Penny Bit: Mandolin Lesson, we’ll take a look at the melody of the tune. The Ten Penny Bit is a traditional Irish Jig in the key of Am (dorian), sharing the same key signature as G (F#).The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! 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: Mandolin
Learn to play the Australian bush song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ on the mandolin with this video lesson. Played in the Key of G, there are two versions, the basic melody and a bluegrass inspired version of the melody arranged for Pickin’ Lessons. 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...
Whiskey Before Breakfast (Basic): Mandolin Lesson
Whiskey Before Breakfast is a very popular bluegrass tune, played in the key of D. This basic arrangement of the tune is well suited to the intermediate picker and is structured in a way that keeps it on the simpler side, making it more manageable for a newer picker or when played at faster tempos. 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...