Big Sciota is certainly one of my all time favourite fiddle tunes, and this is the second version here on the website. In the key of G, this arrangement is suited to the advanced picker, with challenging techniques that include deep tones, floating and chordal, that all require strong technique to play clearly and fluently. Go to lesson...
Salt Creek is a great traditional fiddle tune and a popular session tune. In the key of A, the tune moves along at a quick tempo & this arrangement features 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. As part of this lesson, we’ll break down the ideas, which focus on the use of the mixolydian scale, with the addition of the minor 3rd. Go to lesson...
Melodic, single string, bluesy licks – Salt Creek – hold on tight! In this lesson, we’ll look at 2 variations for the advanced picker, in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2 – string 5 spiked to fret 7), using the mixolydian scale with the addition of the minor 3rd (b3) passing note giving it a great bluesy feel. Go to 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...
G’day! In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at the traditional fiddle tune, Cumberland Gap. A challenging, faster tempo bluegrass tune played in the Key of G. There are several variations within the break and is a challenging tune for the advanced picker. In this lesson we’ll break down how to play the tune, focusing on some exercises for fluency and exploring ideas to increase your tempo. Go to lesson...
G’day! In this Wayfaring Stranger: Banjo Lesson, we’ll take a look at a great arrangement for the beginner/intermediate picker, containing 2 variations of the melody for both the verse & chorus.
This arrangement is in the key of Em, but can be easily capo’d to other keys up the neck. Go to 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...
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...
G’day! In this Devil’s Dream: Banjo Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune for the intermediate picker, focusing on the single-string technique. 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, alternating between the thumb & index fingers during many 8th note passages, but is darn fun to play & a great session tune! Go to 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...