Tag Archives: Chord Melody

Southwind: Banjo Lesson

Southwind is a traditional Irish waltz, played in the key of G (standard tuning). It has a very beautiful melody that we’ll first learn in its basic form using the melodic technique, then spice it up with a chord melody arrangement that ventures up the neck. While the basic melody is very simple, I’d suggest the more advanced variation of the tune is suited to the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Southwind: Chord Melody Mandolin Lesson

Southwind is a traditional Irish waltz, played in the key of G. It has a very beautiful melody that we’ll first learn in its basic form, then spice it up with a chord melody arrangement that also features a little crosspicking. While the basic melody is very simple, I’d suggest the more advanced variation of the tune is suited to the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

O Come All Ye Faithful: (Chord Melody) Christmas Mandolin Lesson

‘O Come All Ye faithful’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this chord melody mandolin lesson, we’ll learn a variation that supports the melody in 2 part harmony (double stops). In the key of G, the dynamic rise and falls create a lovely sense of contrast to the piece. The melody is simple, but as we spice it up with these harmonies & dynamic contrast, it is a beautiful way to play the tune and a great addition to your Christmas repertoire!  Go to lesson...

Auld Lang Syne: Banjo Lesson

Auld Lang Syne is a traditional Scottish song, traditionally sung to farewell the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. In this banjo lesson, we’ll learn two variations, the basic melody played in a melodic style, plus a chord melody variation, played up the neck (advanced). In the key of G (standard tuning), both variations sound great on the banjo. Go to lesson...

Away In A Manger (Duet): Mandolin Lesson

Away In A Manger is traditional Christmas Carol, played at a slow tempo in 3/4 time. This chord melody & arpeggio arrangement is in the key of G, has two variations and features the ‘Cradle Song’ melody, being the most popular setting outside of the United States. Both variations are suitable for the advancing intermediate picker, and work equally well in duet with the guitar or played solo.  Go to lesson...

O Come All Ye Faithful (Chord Melody): Banjo Lesson

‘O Come All Ye faithful’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this chord melody banjo lesson, we’ll learn a variation that supports the melody in both 2 & 3 part harmony. In the key of G (standard tuning), the dynamic rises and falls as the harmony moves in and out of 2 & 3 part, creates a lovely sense of contrast to the piece. The Go to lesson...

Colonel John Irwin: (Chord Melody) Mandolin Lesson

Colonel John Irwin is an Air, composed by Turlough O’Carolan. There are two parts to the tune, in the key of D and this arrangement is played in the chord melody style. With a very pretty melody, the chord melody structure adds another layer to the mix, giving it great depth and is a tune well suited to the advanced picker. Go to lesson...

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Christmas Chord Melody Banjo

‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this banjo lesson, we’ll learn a lovely chord melody arrangement. In the key of G, the melody is supported by 3 & 4 part harmony, with some challenging chord positions, which would be suited too the advanced picker. This version sounds great as a solo banjo piece and is a great addition to your Christmas repertoire!  Go to lesson...

We Three Kings: Christmas Banjo

‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this banjo lesson, we’ll learn two verse variations and a chorus variation. In the key of Am, first up, we’ll cover a basic, melodic version of the melody. We’ll then move on to a pretty chord melody version in the open position for the intermediate picker, with a lovely variation of harmony. The Go to lesson...

We Three Kings of Orient Are: Christmas Mandolin

‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this lesson we’ll learn two verse variations, perfect for an introduction or solo. In the key of Am, we’ll cover a pretty tremolo version of the basic verse melody for the advanced beginner, then, moving in to a great chord melody verse variation suited to the advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...