Tag Archives: Reel

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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Pigeon On The Gate: Mandolin Lesson

Pigeon On The Gate is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian). Played at a fast tempo, there are some demanding techniques within the tune and is certainly suited to the advanced picker. In the lesson we’ll break down how to approach the tune and work through the techniques you’ll need to focus on.  Go to lesson...

Tarbolton Reel: Mandolin Lesson

Tarbolton Reel is a traditional Irish reel, played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em. Using both the dorian & aeolian minor scales, this arrangement features a nice mixture of ornamentation & rhythmic variation. Up to tempo, this is a challenging tune, well suited to the advanced picker. Jump into the lesson & we’ll break down the techniques and variations found within the arrangement.  Go to lesson...

Fairmoy Lasses: Melodic Banjo Lesson

Fairmoy Lasses is a high energy, traditional Irish reel, in the key of Em (standard tuning). This arrangement on the 5-string banjo features a combination of the melodic technique and single-string, and once combined with the fast tempo, this tune certainly leans towards the advanced picker. It will be a great addition to your repertoire and It’s a super fun tune to pick once you get it under your fingers!

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Fairmoy Lasses: Mandolin Lesson

Fairmoy Lasses is a traditional Irish reel, in the key of Em in Part A and moves to G in Part B. Played at a fast tempo, it certainly suits the advanced picker, but also makes for a great technical exercise. The melody is fairly simple and in the lesson we’ll cover strategies you can use to help increase your tempo while learning the tune. Go to lesson...

Flowers Of Edinburgh: Guitar Lesson

The Flowers Of Edinburgh is traditional Scottish reel, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G. Well suited to the intermediate flatpicker, and with a fluent knowledge of the G Major scale, this tune is awfully fun to pick. Part A keeps us in the open position, while Part B takes us up to the 7th position with some lovely movement. Go to lesson...

Flowers Of Edinburgh: Melodic Banjo Lesson

The Flowers Of Edinburgh is traditional Scottish reel, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G (standard tuning). Well suited to the intermediate picker, and with a fluent knowledge of the melodic G Major scale, this tune is awfully fun to pick. Part A uses the melodic G major scale found at the 5th position, while Part B takes us further up to the neck with some lovely movement. Go to lesson...

101 Introduction To Melodic Banjo #3

In part 3 of this introduction to the melodic banjo techniques, we’ll continue to work out of open G tuning, but look at the key of D major. We’ll cover scale positions and exercises for the key, while applying these to another great tune, that is sure to enhance your technique. Go to lesson...