Tag Archives: Scales

Beginner Bluegrass Licks (Part 2): Mandolin Lesson

In part two of this lesson, we’ll continue to learn some great beginner friendly bluegrass licks on the mandolin! Firstly, the example solo/licks in this lesson are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Old Home Place. The chord progression offers the opportunity to look at chords that are from outside the key signature and ideas on approaching the overall progression. Go to lesson...

Beginner Bluegrass Licks: Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, we’ll learn some great beginner bluegrass licks on the guitar, perfect for an introduction in the style for the intermediate picker! Firstly, the example solo/licks are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Worried Man Blues. As part of the full lesson we’ll break down all the lick ideas, plus cover some important detail in the scales, arpeggios and blue notes for each of the chords in the progression.  Go to lesson...

Beginner Bluegrass Licks: Mandolin Lesson

In this lesson, we’ll learn some great beginner bluegrass licks on the mandolin, perfect for an introduction in the style for the intermediate picker! Firstly, the example solo/licks are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Worried Man Blues. As part of the full lesson we’ll break down all the lick ideas, plus cover some important detail in the scales, arpeggios and blue notes for each of the chords in the progression.  Go to lesson...

Miss McLeod’s Reel: Melodic Banjo Lesson

Miss McLeod’s Reel is a great traditional Scottish reel in the key of G. This melodic banjo arrangement of the tune is in standard open G tuning and the phrases sit around the G melodic scale position. While getting the tune up to tempo might be suited to the intermediate picker, the phrases and position of the melody are very accessible for the advanced beginner picker.

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Bluegrass Licks Vol. 2: Mandolin Lesson

In this second instalment of Bluegrass Licks on the mandolin, we’ll dive into a movable set of licks, demonstrated in the key of B, but can be applied to any key or chord! We’ll focus on licks in two connected scale positions, linked with two double positions, a bunch of example licks and an example break over a standard chord progression using the 1 4 & 5 chords. Go to lesson...

Mandolin Essentials #5: Linking Double Stops-Part 2

In the fifth Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll continue to cover how to link double stops with scales & arpeggios in one streamlined position. This lesson will cover an adjacent position, which we can combine with what we covered in part 1.

It’s an important skill for improvisation, melody/break construction, fill licks, etc. Go to lesson...

Mandolin Essentials #4: Linking Double Stops-Part 1

In the fourth Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll cover how to link double stops with scales & arpeggios in one streamlined position. It’s an important skill for improvisation, melody/break construction, fill licks, etc. If you’re wanting to improve your improv, having a sound knowledge of these closed position patterns will grow your mandolin muscles ready for the next time a break comes along…in any key! Go to lesson...

Mandolin Essentials #2: Key of Bb Major (Open Position)

In the second Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll cover the Key of Bb Major, played in the open position. It’s another great key, often used in bluegrass, that can easily be overlooked as a mandolin player, yet is quite easy to play in the open position. Areas of study include:

  • Bb major scale (one octave);
  • Bb major scale (full open position);
  • Bb major pentatonic scale (full open position);
  • The chords found in the key of Bb;
  • Arpeggios (full open position for each chord in the key of Bb);
  • And we’ll finish with a Study in Bb Major, applying and analysing the above information.
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Mandolin Essentials #1: Key of F Major (Open Position)

In the first Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll cover the Key of F Major, played in the open position. It’s a great key, that can easily be overlooked, yet is quite easy to play in the open position. Areas of study include:

  • F major scale (one octave);
  • F major scale (full open position);
  • F major pentatonic scale (full open position);
  • The chords found in the key of F;
  • Arpeggios (full open position for each chord in the key of F);
  • And we’ll finish with a Study in F Major, applying and analysing the above information.
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102 Mandolin Essentials

Welcome to the Pickin’ Lessons Mandolin Essentials Series.

In this mandolin series, we’ll cover important information that I believe will make you a better, more well rounded mandolin player. From working on building your knowledge of the fretboard, keys found in the open position, movable patterns, chords, rhythms, improvisation, useful theory and other similar topics, you will certainly grow your mandolin skills and understanding.

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