A new book on improvisation is now available for bluegrass mandolin players. Based on the concept of learning by playing, this 200 page book covers a wide range of improvisation tools and how to implement them in your playing. A large number of examples are presented in both tablature and standard notation, so that a theoretical background is not required. the small amount of theory needed is simply presented and easily learned step by step.A series of exercises designed to help the player develop improvisational skills are included in the book. As an instruction tool, the book can easily be combined with the instructor's individual philosophy or by a student wishing to study alone. the subject matter is varied in difficulty and can be used by both the beginner and more advanced player as an instructional guide and reference book. the major-themes in the book are: the pentatonic sound, scale and major-chord based improvising with any Bluegrass-Tune, Double-stop improvisation, Minor chords and Keys, the blues sound, Melody oriented improvisation, How to use: Monroe Style, Cross picking, Hot licks, how to simplify a lick, and more. MP3 CD accompanies book featuring all examples.Click to hear the author discuss the book.

(Book). The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual is the most complete step-by-step treatise ever written on building an acoustical string instrument. Siminoff, a renowned author and luthier, applies over four decades of experience to guide beginners to pros through detailed chapters on wood selection, cutting, carving, shaping, assembly, inlays, fretting, binding and assembly of an F-style mandolin. A special highlight is an in-depth chapter on the art of tap tuning. This fully-illustrated manual boasts more than 250 photos, a full-color section on the staining and finishing processes, numerous detailed illustrations, and a bonus set of 20 full-size blueprints. Spiral bound.

Getting into Bluegrass Mandolin is specifically designed to quickly and simply show you how to play bluegrass mandolin. It teaches everything you'll need to know including: chords (both open and 'bluegrass chop' variety), rhythm, single-note playing, double stops, fiddle tunes, playing in all keys (transposing from one key to another), playing backup, introductions or "kickoffs", and tremolo. Lessons use classic bluegrass songs and tunes to help you build a great bluegrass repertoire as you learn. All songs and examples from the book are recorded at both slow and regular speeds on the CD. Written in standard notation and tablature.

This book contains a collection of various mandolin solos in a range of styles and levels of difficulty, aimed at advanced beginners to intermediates. Extensive notes are included about the breaks and the techniques used to play them. The material can be practiced alongside accompanying online recordings at slow and regular speeds. Access to the online audio is included. You'll learn: Easy melodic solos/breaks.More advanced solos with blue notes, arpeggios, and more. Double stop solos. Essential fiddle tunes every mandolin player should know. Crosspicking solos. A variety of kickoffs or introductions. Different styles of back-up mandolin

The fun and easy way to learn to play the mandolin The newest addition to the highly successful Dummies instrument-instruction line, Mandolin For Dummies gives you easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction on learning to play the mandolin. Following the time-tested Dummies format, Mandolin For Dummies provides a level of content and instruction greater than anything currently available. Mandolin For Dummies breaks down the fundamentals of this instrument and provides the resources you need to practice and improve your ability over time. Packed with individualized instruction on key mandolin-friendly musical styles, including Irish and Celtic, "old time" American music, blues, bluegrass, swing, and jazz Files available via download provide audio tracks from the book and exercises so you can play along and build your skills -- almost 2 hours of music! Clear and useful photos and diagrams ensure you fret, strum, and pick with precision Includes a mandolin buying guide to help ensure you make the right purchases Tips on restringing mandolins and other DIY care and maintenance topics If you're an aspiring mandolin player, don't fret! Mandolin For Dummies has you covered.

(Mandolin). This collection of 130 mandolin solos is an invaluable resource for fans of bluegrass music. Each song excerpt has been meticulously transcribed note-for-note in tab from its original recording so you can study and learn these masterful solos by some of the instrument's finest pickers. From the legendary Bill Monroe to more contemporary heroes like Sam Bush and Chris thile, and even including some non-bluegrass greats like Dave Apollon and Jethro Burns, this book contains a wide variety of music and playing styles to enjoy.

A collection of over 200 great Bluegrass, Old Time, Country and Gospel standards. Melodies are presented with standard notation and tablature along with lyrics and chords.Learn to play songs written and recorded by the giants of traditional American music: Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, the Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson and many more. Also included: Step-by-Step instruction on how to transpose any song to any key!The two CDs include recordings of EVERY song in the book.

The best way to learn an instrument is to play it as often as you can with other musicians. Trading songs and interacting with other instrumentalists and singers will foster learning at a faster pace and promote development of an ensemble sound. This play-along series encourages this kind of fun, collaborative approach to learning an instrument. Aspiring mandolinists can practice chords and rhythm, singing and lyrics, melodies, solos, licks and backup playing along with a real band! The online audio includes Dix Bruce on the guitar, mandolin and vocals, Bill Evans on the banjo and vocals, Julie Cline on vocals and Cindy Browne on the string bass. The recorded songs are performed with introductions (kickoffs), vocals and solos-just how they would be at jam sessions and performances. Solo sections in the recordings allow you to play chords and solos from the book. Create your own improvised solos or sing the lyrics while the band provides accompaniment. The book includes fifteen of the most popular bluegrass, old-time and gospel songs, recorded at slow and regular tempos for players of any skill level. Includes mandolin tablature, chords, solos, backup parts and more. Great for beginning to intermediate players. We'll jam ALL night long!

This book contains 30 traditional to modern Celtic tunes arranged in either simple melodic lines with suggested accompaniment chords, or stand-alone melody/chord solos. From rollicking reels and jigs to tender ballads, these Celtic Gems will appeal to the intermediate to advanced mandolinist and their audiences. With a little imagination, the up-tempo melodic tunes could be effectively rendered with drums and electric bass a la Pentangle or Fairport Convention; conversely, three or four of the solo arrangements would provide a tasteful set within a mandolin recital. Take your pick! Presented in standard notation and tablature in mandolin and guitar-friendly keys, these settings provide a masterclass in 4-course instrumental arranging. The author’s online recording of each piece is included with this stellar collection. Includes access to online audio.