My buddy Orion introduced me to June Apple tune a while back but I honestly forgot about it for a while. Lately I’ve been hearing this song pop up in jams again though, so I figured I’d break it down. While the progression and melody are pretty easy to grasp, there’s a lot you can […]
The circle of fifths is a powerful tool in learning music theory with lots of information packed in a small space. If you haven’t really used the circle before, there’s no better time to start than now! In this mini-lesson, I’ll cover some a couple of great uses for the circle / cycle including how […]
Cherokee Shuffle is a great jam standard tune that seems to be called at jams all over so it’s a great one to get down. It’s sort of unique in that the chord progression contains a minor 6th chord which isn’t too strange – but definitely less common. Sheet Music for Cherokee Shuffle Here’s a […]
Bluegrass music is filled with songs borrowed from other genres – especially Irish folk. Red Haired Boy, also know as Little Beggar Boy, is a great example of an Irish tune that made its way into the bluegrass cannon. As a standard of many bluegrass jams, it’s a great tune to work on. Sheet Music […]
The author recommends the Skaggs and Rice album, particularly praising their version of “Bury Me Beneath the Willow.” Key points include its foundational role for mandolin learners, the significance of practicing scales and arpeggios, and learning the melody for improvisation. The content encourages engagement through comments and donations for ongoing support.
This week’s Mandolin Song Breakdown focuses on “Southern Flavor,” a song the author grew fond of after hearing it at the Summergrass festival. The breakdown includes listening recommendations, chord charts, song format, and tips for mastering the melody with double stops. Donations to support the site are encouraged.
The content describes a fiddle tune, “Whiskey Before Breakfast,” emphasizing its variations and learning strategies. Key focus areas include mastering chord progressions in multiple positions, understanding the D major scale, and playing the melody in different positions. Additionally, techniques like double stops enhance soloing and rhythm. Listening to various versions is encouraged.