Tag Archives: Bluegrass

Forked Deer (V2): Banjo Lesson

Forked Deer is an awesome fiddle tune, played in the key of D (aDGBD). This is the second version on Pickin’ Lessons, and this arrangement mainly features the single-string technique, with a little melodic on the side. It’s well suited to the advanced intermediate picker, working as a great study for the single-string technique.

Go to lesson...

Black Mountain Rag (A): Guitar Lesson

Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. This version is in the key of A (capo 2) and will pair great with the version in D. It’s a popular way to play the tune, jump back and forth between the two keys! I’d suggest the arrangement is suited to the advancing intermediate picker, but as always, in this lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips. 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...

Black Mountain Rag (D): Guitar Lesson

Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. While the key can vary  depending on the instrument/version, a popular variation is to play in the key of D. This arrangement is in standard tuning (capo 2) and features some great crosspicking passages for the right-hand and plenty of left-hand challenges to build your picking strength! Go to lesson...

Black Mountain Rag (Key of D): Banjo Lesson

Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. While the key can vary  depending on the instrument/version, a popular variation is to play in the key of D. This arrangement is in standard tuning (capo 2 – 5th string spiked at fret 7) and features both melodic & Scruggs techniques and is definitely a lot of fun on the banjo! Go to lesson...

Billy In The Lowground: Guitar Lesson

In this flatpicking guitar 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. Spending some time on this tune will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your session tune list! Go to lesson...

Sweet By And By: Banjo Lesson

‘In The Sweet By And By’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along!  In the key of C (Drop C Tuning –  gCGBD), this arrangement features some lovely Scruggs style playing with a little melodic at times. With a variation for both the verse & chorus melodies, this is a great sounding tune that I’d suggest is suited to the intermediate picker, but as always, in this lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips. Go to lesson...

Sweet By And By: Guitar Lesson

‘In The Sweet By And By’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along!  In the key of C, this arrangement features some lovely crosspicking, with a variation for both the verse & chorus melodies. I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advanced picker, but as always, in this lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips. 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...