Tag Archives: Key of A

Old Joe Clark (V2): Mandolin Lesson

Old Joe Clark is a traditional American song/fiddle tune, typically played in the key of A. This is a very popular session tune, and this arrangement features an embellished melody, using a common approach to move around the main melody with surrounding scale notes. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker and in the lesson, we’ll break down the techniques to help you pick this wonderful session tune. Go to lesson...

Cripple Creek: Guitar Lesson

Cripple Creek is a popular fiddle tune, played in the key of A. This is the second version on the site, with the first version found in the flatpicker crash course. In this arrangement, there are four variations, starting out with a basic version of the melody, through to more advanced variations featuring double stops, ornaments, blue notes and embellishment around the melody. 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...

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...

Bill Cheatham: Melodic Banjo Lesson

Bill Cheatham is a popular, traditional American fiddle tune, in the key of A (capo 2 – string 5 spiked to fret 7). With a melody that is often picked at a fast tempo, this banjo arrangement features the melodic technique, double stops, and some challenging rolls. If you’re familiar with the melodic major scale, it will certainly help, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advancing picker. Go to lesson...

Bill Cheatham: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

Bill Cheatham is a popular, traditional American fiddle tune, in the key of A (capo 2). With a melody that is often picked at a fast tempo, it features double stops, crosspicking arpeggios, some great scale movement and making use of both the first & second positions. If you’re familiar with the open G major scale, it will certainly help, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Cherokee Shuffle (V2): Melodic Banjo Lesson

This is the second variation on the melody of Cherokee Shuffle here on Pickin’ Lessons. It is a popular fiddle tune, a common tune in bluegrass sessions and one of my personal favourites. In the key of A (capo 2-spike string 5 to fret 7), this is an intermediate melodic arrangement working around a nice, straight ahead version of the melody. Go to lesson...