Blackberry Blossom is a traditional fiddle tune, played in the key of G (standard tuning). This is a very popular session tune, and this arrangement features the melodic technique suited to the advancing picker. In a bluegrass setting, the tempo is usually fast with a pretty straight feel; and yet, it’s also a tune that can be played at a medium tempo with a bit of ‘bounce’.
The Blarney Pilgrim is a lively, traditional Irish jig, played in the key of G and this guitar arrangement is well suited to the advanced picker. While the left hand positions are relatively straight forward, the right hand has some difficult rhythms & picking patterns to contend with, all played at a fast tempo. Go to lesson...
Turkey In The Straw is an American folk song with a well known melody, commonly played as a tune in a bluegrass session. It’s a popular tune is in the key of G, and this is the second arrangement found on Pickin’ Lessons. The first is a beginner friendly version, while in this arrangement, we’ll up the ante, filling in the space in a typical fiddle tune style, ending up with a more challenging version which is great fun to play! Go to lesson...
Angels We Have Heard On High is a traditional carol set to the hymn Gloria. In this banjo arrangement we’ll look at both a melodic style version (basic) and a chord melody style (intermediate) in the key of G (standard tuning). The basic version of the melody, played in a melodic style is very accessible and is well suited to the beginner melodic picker.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas is a traditional English carol, and in this guitar arrangement we’ll look at a bluegrass style version in the key of G, with two variations of the melody. The first variation is the basic melody, suited to the advanced beginner; while the second is a bluegrass inspired take on the melody, suited to the advancing picker. Go to lesson...
‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this mandolin lesson, we’ll learn a lovely chord melody arrangement. In the key of G, the melody is supported by 2 & 3 part harmony, with some challenging chord positions, which would be suited too the advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...
We Wish You A Merry Christmas is a traditional English carol and in this banjo arrangement we’ll look at a melodic style version in the key of G (standard tuning). There are two variations of the melody, up and down the neck, featuring the melodic technique and I’d suggest this would suit the advancing beginner picker.
In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and ‘get the sound’ is important, and in this lesson, we’ll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks! In the key of G, we’ll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Go to lesson...
Handsome Molly is a traditional ballad and in this banjo arrangement we’ll look at a Scruggs style version in the key of G (standard tuning). There are three variations of the melody, up and down the neck with a focus on Scruggs style, but also featuring a little melodic at times and I’d suggest this would suit the advancing intermediate picker.
This is a fun trad tune, with three parts, played in 6/8 time. In the key of G (standard tuning), this arrangement features the single-string and melodic techniques, and playing both up and down the neck and is well suited to the advanced intermediate picker, working as a great study for the techniques featured.