Mason’s Apron is a fast tempo, traditional Irish reel, in the key of A. In this lesson, we’ll learn an arrangement that features a great picking articulation that can be used to spice up lots of different tunes. The tune is relatively straight forward, when played at a slower tempo, but when played up to the usual tempo, does become more difficult, and is suited to the more advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...
Backup Banjo (Part 1): Major & Minor Chords
In this second part of the course, we’ll look at five examples found in the Celtic genre; a Jig, Reel, Waltz, Polka & Hornpipe. With an example to work with in each tune variation, we’ll unpack the time signature, feels, accents and groove that we need to listen out for, all while exploring many backup options including; inversions, high tones, deep tones, passing notes, syncopation, staccato, etc…
Split in to 5 parts, the full lesson covers the following:
In this tenth instalment of the beginner mandolin crash course, we’ll cover:
In this second instalment of Bluegrass Licks, we’ll dive into a more modal set of licks, in the key of G. We’ll focus on licks played over the G, D & F chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Our example chord progression is the old standard ‘Little Maggie’, but there are many great tunes and songs that feature the F chord in the key of G. Go to lesson...
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...
This crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to play the mandolin. Focusing on traditional styles, the course will get you pickin’ some of your favourite melodies and learn how to accompany others, all while developing good technique and practice habits.
As part of the lesson series covering arpeggios, this piece in the key of Dm, Arpeggio Study No.1, focuses on covering minor, major & dom7 arpeggios, found in the open position & up the neck. While the piece uses arpeggios exclusively, there is also an important focus on left-hand position & right-hand picking technique. Go to lesson...
The Good Natured Man is a great traditional Irish Hornpipe. In the key of G, the tune moves along at a quick tempo & features many triplets within the melody. As part of this lesson, we’ll focus on the efficiency of the picking hand, specifically looking at the follow-through & alternating picking techniques, directly relating to the triplet. Go to lesson...
In this mandolin lesson we’ll look at a movable break for ‘Warfaring Stranger’ using the minor pentatonic scale, double stops & tremolo. Wayfaring Stranger has a wonderful melody, but being a song, can be played in many different keys, usually chosen by the vocalist. Having a break that you can easily transpose is a very handy thing to have up your sleeve. Go to lesson...
In this mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at some ‘Waltz Time’ Licks using the blues scale, major blues scale and arpeggios. Waltz time is the 3/4 time signature & all of these examples are in the key of A, but are movable in both open & closed positions. Other techniques we’ll be focusing on are down stroke picking, double stops & tremolo. Go to lesson...