In this lesson, we’ll learn some great beginner bluegrass licks on the guitar, perfect for an introduction in the style for the intermediate picker! Firstly, the example solo/licks are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Worried Man Blues. As part of the full lesson we’ll break down all the lick ideas, plus cover some important detail in the scales, arpeggios and blue notes for each of the chords in the progression. Go to lesson...
In this lesson, we’ll learn some great beginner bluegrass licks on the mandolin, perfect for an introduction in the style for the intermediate picker! Firstly, the example solo/licks are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Worried Man Blues. As part of the full lesson we’ll break down all the lick ideas, plus cover some important detail in the scales, arpeggios and blue notes for each of the chords in the progression. Go to lesson...
Hangman’s Reel is a traditional fiddle tune, played in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2) and has four parts. With French-Canadian origins and a popular old-time tune, it also works great in a bluegrass setting on the banjo. The arrangement features both Scruggs & melodic techniques as part of the melody, great for the advanced picker.
In this lesson we break down a fun intermediate arrangement of the classic bluegrass fiddle tune Old Joe Clark. Played in the key of A with a capo on the 2nd fret, this version features the melody with strategic slurs, tasteful rhythm variations, and plenty of drive.
John Hardy is a well known bluegrass standard, popular in picking circles. In this lesson, we’ll learn a mandolin arrangement in the key of G, suited to the intermediate picker, but still quite accomodating for the beginner. Played at a moderate to fast tempo, the break features double stops and some great licks around the melody. Go to lesson...
Old Joe Clark is a popular traditional American tune, played in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2). It’s a great bluegrass banjo standard, and this is the second version here on the site. The arrangement features both Scruggs & melodic techniques as part of the melody, great for the intermediate picker.
Salt Creek is a classic bluegrass fiddle tune, and you can never have too many versions! This guitar arrangement in A (capo 2) features both a melody and harmony break that combine into a fantastic variation.
In this lesson, we’ll learn both parts plus a harmonised tag. Played at a fast tempo with some challenging passages, it’s ideal for advanced intermediate pickers. Go to lesson...
Salt Creek is a quick tempo, trad American tune, played in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2). It’s a great bluegrass banjo standard, and this arrangement features both Scruggs & melodic techniques as part of the melody, great for the advancing intermediate picker. You can also check out the advanced melodic arrangement that has two variations here: https://pickinlessons.com/salt-creek-melodic-banjo/
Lazy John is a traditional Old Time/Bluegrass song that has a wonderful melody. In this lesson, we’ll learn a mandolin arrangement that contains two variations for both parts A & B, in the key of G. Played at a moderate tempo we’ll move up & down the neck with some great variations, suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Go to lesson...
Mountain Dew is a fantastic traditional Appalachian folk song, popular in bluegrass circles. This arrangement on the banjo has 2 variations, featuring both the Scruggs & melodic techniques, with a bunch of great lick ideas, recorded in the key of G (standard tuning), but can be transposed easily with a capo.