Tag Archives: Theory

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...

Slow Blues In G: Mandolin Lesson

In this lesson, we’ll learn a great blues break in the key of G. At a groovy, slow tempo, this blues is fun to play and is packed full of lots of great licks and ideas! We’ll cover the G7, C7 & D7 chord positions, looking at the major pentatonic, minor pentatonic & dominant 7th arpeggio patterns, and how the tones of the these patterns can be blended to create some great ideas, with a lot of analysis while we cover the licks. Go to lesson...

Slow Blues In G: Banjo Lesson

In this lesson, we’ll learn a great blues break in the key of G (standard tuning). At a groovy, slow tempo, this blues is fun to play and is packed full of lots of great licks and ideas! We’ll cover the G7, C7 & D7 chord positions, while making use of a mixed blues scale that conveniently surrounds the chords and learning a bunch of cool licks up & down the neck.

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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...

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 #3: Key of Dm (Open Position)

In the third Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll cover the Key of D minor, played in the open position. It’s another great key that shares the same key signature as F Major. There are a number of great tunes in Dm, and having a sound knowledge in the open position will grow your mandolin muscles ready for the next time a song comes along in the key! 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...

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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101 Introduction To Melodic Banjo #2

In part 2 of this introduction to the melodic banjo techniques, we’ll continue to explore scale positions and exercises, while applying these to another great tune, that is sure to enhance your technique. In the lesson we’ll cover:

  • 3 positions of the G Major scale;
  • Discuss the mixolydian & dorian modes;
  • Cover the 6/8 time signature;
  • Work through several exercises;
  • And finally, put it all together with a great tune ‘The Rakes Of Kildare’.
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