Beginner | Level 1

Guitar (Flatpicking) | Mandolin | Banjo (Single-String & Melodic)

Study Outcome – Level 1 aims for you to gain basic scale, arpeggio & harmony knowledge, building a solid technical & theoretical grounding to help you move forward.

S.A.C. | Key of G

Scales: G Major, E Natural Minor

Arpeggios: G, C, D7 & Em

Chords: G, C, D7 & Em

R.I.S.E.S.

Rhythm: 6 basic 4/4 rhythm patterns using quarter notes & eighth note rhythms.

Improvisation: 4 measure turnaround progression (backing track). Practice your chord changes along with the backing track & begin to experiment with improvising using the G major scale &/or arpeggios.

Speed: simple exercise to stretch yourself into a slightly quicker tempo. It’s important to practice slow & controlled, but you do need to try moving quicker if you do want to increase your tempo.

Exercises: Double picking exercise to begin the development of alternating picking.

Sight-Reading: 10 simple, 4 measure examples to help improve your ability to read either tab or standard notation without the need to practice first.

Keys of G & C – Time signatures: 2/4, 3/4 & 4/4 – Tablature &/or standard notation.

Method: have a quick look over the exercise & prepare without physically playing the notes. When ready, try playing through slowly & steadily, with both accurate rhythm and notes.

Step 1: Preparation

S.A.C. – First you’ll need to learn the material. Spend some time covering the areas of study. You don’t need to do this all at once. Start with one scale & maybe two arpeggios and add any of the chords you don’t already know. Over several practice sessions, try to build more of the patterns into your knowledge base.

R.I.S.E.S. – Use the video demonstrations to become familiar with the content. Once comfortable with how you need to approach each section, build these into your practice session.

Step 2: Application

S.A.C. – Take a minute or two to practice through each of the S.A.C.’s. A couple of run through’s on each part is ideal. Keep all the notes clear, with good left & right hand technique. Refer to the video demonstration for an example.

R.I.S.E.S. – Each section does not need the same amount of time dedicated to it. For example, you may spend more time on the improv & speed exercises and less on the turnaround progression if you’re already pretty comfortable with your chords.

Overall, keep it short & sharp so you are more likely to pick up the mandolin and go through the routine every day. Sure, if you have the extra time, feel free to spend more time on each part! Now jump on in!

(Make sure you also have a look at the Additional Areas To Cover tips at the end of the practice session.)

Good luck!

Heath