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.

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! Once you know the practice structure, you could cover all the important material in as little as 10-20 minutes. Aiming to practice everyday (or as close to as possible!)

Preparation: Scales & Technical Practice | Overview | Level 1 | Knowledge Base

Mandolin | Part 1: S.A.C. (Key of G)

Scales | Arpeggios | Chords

(Allow 4-8 minutes approx.)

Mandolin | Scales Technical Practice | S.A.C. | Level 1

Part 2: R.I.S.E.S.

Rhythm | Improvisation | Speed | Exercises | Sight-Reading

(Allow 6-12 minutes approx.)

Rhythm

1. Repeat individual examples fluently;
2. Combine examples, e.g. 1 & 2, 4 & 5…;
3. Combine with a single chord or change chords if possible.
   

   Mandolin | Scales Technical Practice | Rhythm | Level 1

   Improvisation

   1. Practice the chord changes;
   2. Improvise using the G major scale &/or arpeggios to match the chords.
   3. Don’t worry about how it’s sounding in the beginning, just become familiar with the scales & arpeggios and give it a go!
      

      Mandolin | Scales Technical Practice | Improv Backing Track | Level 1

      Speed

      1. Start out with control & good tone;
      2. Gradually increase tempo, while remaining in control;
      3. Push yourself slightly quicker than comfortable;
      4. Ease back the tempo and finish with control & good tone.
      5. Don’t worry about the tempo or using a metronome at this stage.
         

         Mandolin | Scales Technical Practice | Speed | Level 1

         Exercises

         1. Apply to each scale & arpeggio from the Level 1| S.A.C.
         2. Aim for an even tone & volume on each pick stroke.
            

            Mandolin | Scales Technical Practice | Exercises | Level 1

            Sight-Reading

            1. Aim for accuracy, not speed;
            2. Don’t practice the same sight-reading exercise in consecutive sessions;
            3. Ensure picking direction & rhythm are accurate.
            4. Download the Guitar Pro file and open in a free viewer to check how the sight-reading examples should sound.

                

               Additional Areas To Cover

               Repertoire: Make sure you are working on old & new tunes/songs. This is one of the main reasons to practice the above! Dedicate at least a little time to run over a tune or two.

               Notes on the fretboard: check out the Fretboard Freedom lesson and start studying the 4th string.

               Well done!

               Congratulations on finishing the practice session! Make sure you follow up & work through the exercises regularly.

               Tip: A practice journal is a great way of keeping track of your progress.