Tag Archives: Key of A

Campbell’s Farewell: Mandolin Lesson

Campbell’s Farewell is a great traditional Scottish march in the key of A (Mixolydian), but is also popular in the American tradition played as a reel. This mandolin arrangement of the tune is approached at the reel tempo and the phrases sit primarily in the A Mixolydian scale on strings 1 & 2. Go to lesson...

Campbell’s Farewell: Melodic Banjo Lesson

Campbell’s Farewell is a great traditional Scottish march in the key of A (Mixolydian) (capo 2 – standard tuning), but is also popular in the American tradition played as a reel. This melodic banjo arrangement of the tune is approached at the reel tempo and the phrases sit around the G melodic scale position.

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Mountain Dew: Guitar Lesson

Mountain Dew is a fantastic traditional Appalachian folk song, popular in bluegrass circles. This arrangement on the guitar has 2 variations, with a bunch of great lick ideas, recorded in the key of A (capo 2), but can be transposed easily. The first variation is inspired by The Stanley Brothers recording and the second break launches up the neck with a lot more bluegrass flair! Go to lesson...

Boys of Malin: Melodic Banjo Lesson

The Boys of Malin is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2). There are 3 parts to the tune and this banjo arrangement features the melodic technique, with a little single-string. Played at a fast tempo, there are some demanding passages within the tune and is certainly suited to the advanced picker.

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Kitchen Girl: Melodic Banjo Lesson

Kitchen Girl is a traditional American Old-Time tune, in the key of A (mixolydian) in Part A and moves to Am (aeolian) in Part B, making it a great modal tune. This arrangement is in standard tuning – capo 2 and is well suited to the advanced picker, with some challenging variations up & down the neck.

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Kitchen Girl: Mandolin Lesson

Kitchen Girl is a traditional American Old-Time tune, in the key of A (mixolydian) in Part A and moves to Am in Part B, making it a great modal tune. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker, with some fun rhythm variations. With the key change from part A to B, this is a fantastic tune to pick, with a very interesting melody! Go to lesson...

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...