Tag Archives: Technique

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 4: Guitar Lesson

In this fourth volume of Bluegrass licks on the guitar, we’ll focus on applying licks to a melody. In the lesson we’ll be using the melody from ‘My Walkin’ Shoes’ in the key of B (capo 4), utilising the ‘G’ shapes against the capo, so can be transposed easily. There are two breaks in the lesson, and we’ll analyse both breaks against the basic melody and chord progression, working through the thought process and application of a variety of licks from the earlier lessons – some more generic, and others that are manipulated to fit the melody and even harmonise against it. Go to lesson...

Finnish Polka: Guitar Lesson

The Finnish Polka is a traditional polka, in the key of Bm. This arrangement is played with the capo at fret 2, and features the 2/4 time signature, played at quite a brisk tempo. For the intermediate picker wanting to work on increasing speed, this lively tune is a great technique workout for the right-hand, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! Go to lesson...

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...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 3: Guitar Lesson

In this third instalment of Bluegrass Licks, we’ll dive into improvising up & down the neck, in the key of G. We’ll focus on three triad shapes with surrounding major blues scale boxes, which are all movable and can be used for any chord or key. The example break and licks are played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords as we move into positions up the neck. Go to lesson...

Trumpet Hornpipe: Mandolin Lesson

The Trumpet Hornpipe (AKA Captain Pugwash Theme) is a traditional Irish hornpipe in the key of G. There are 2 parts to this up-tempo tune and it is suited to the intermediate picker. The tune makes for an excellent study, as it features the hornpipe feel (shuffle), some great triplets that are a real highlight of the tune, arpeggios and some excellent scale patterns that are great technical exercises. Go to lesson...

Boys of Ballycastle: Mandolin Lesson

The Boys of Ballycastle is a traditional Irish hornpipe in the key of Em. In this fun arrangement for the intermediate picker, we’ll cover various ornaments & rhythmic variation within the melody; plus it’s a great exercise for the left-hand using all four fingers on the open position. Jump into the lesson & we’ll break down the tune together. Go to lesson...

Three Sea Captains: Mandolin Lesson

The Three Sea Captains is a traditional Irish jig, played at a medium tempo, in the key of G. With a jolly melody, both the A & B parts are longer than the usual fiddle tune, making for a more substantial tune to pick. I’d suggest that you need to be comfortable with the jig picking structure, as this tune takes it up a notch with a variety of rhythmic variation featured throughout, making this tune more suited to the advanced intermediate picker.  Go to lesson...

Rakes Of Kildare: Mandolin Lesson

The Rakes Of Kildare is traditional Irish jig, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of Am (dorian). During the lesson we’ll spend time working on the picking structure suited to the accents found in the 6/8 time signature, an important part of playing a jig. The tune is suited to an intermediate picker, has a great melody and is an excellent example of the jig picking structure. Go to lesson...

Rakes Of Kildare: Guitar Lesson

The Rakes Of Kildare is traditional Irish jig, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of Am (dorian). During the lesson we’ll spend time working on the picking structure suited to the accents found in the 6/8 time signature, an important part of playing a jig. Part A keeps us in the open position, while Part B takes us up to the 5th position with some lovely movement, making the tune well suited to an intermediate picker. Go to lesson...