In addition to being one of the world's greatest bluegrass musicians Sam Bush is a clear and dynamic instructor. This terrific two-part series will help aspiring mandoling players improve their technical prowess build repertoire and develop formidable musicianship on their instrument. Teaching traditional fiddel tunes Bill Monroe-style instrumentals and his own compositions Sam provides detailed instruction in pick technique rhythm chopping speed building warm-up exercises tremolo improvised soloing and much more. You'll learn how to create variations on melodies use drone strings for fiddle-like effects employ crosspicking tecniques for a smoother sound and move upthe neck to play in higher positions. The songs and variations you'll be playing include: Ragtime Annie Bile Them Cabbage Down Blackberry Blossom Sally Goddin Big Mon Get Up John Brilliancy Whayasay and Big Rabbit. As a bonus Sam privides insight into his instruments and equipment his favourite strings pick gauges and the ways that his instruments have been set up to suit his exacting requirements.

This book is the ideal primer for anyone wishing to participate in an 'Irish session'. This musical gathering is apparently quite different than a blues jazz or bluegrass jam session in that it is customary at Irish sessions toplay in tight unison with the other musicians adapting appropriate tempos rhythms and ornaments in an attempt to fit in with the 'groove'. The 'Irish Session Tune Book' features 300 reels hornpipes polkas slides andslip-jigs written without chord symbols for the melody instruments commonly played in Irish Sessions. The author shares a wealth of melodies collected over the past 10 years the majority learned by ear at Irish sessions: fiddle accordion tinwhistle tenor banjo mandolin bouzouki etc. Authentic ornamentation is suggested for each tune with the admonition that ornamentation may vary from region to region and chorus to chorus.

Description Teach yourself authentic bluegrass mandolin with this book and CD pack. The book contains clear instructions on the basics: right- and left-hand techniques, solos, backup, personal advice on performance, and much more, as well as a complete selection of the best bluegrass songs to learn from. The CD contains audio versions of the examples contained in the book and backing tracks for several songs. Written by Andy Statman, an acclaimed mandolin (and clarinet) player who leads his own ensemble in Brooklyn, New York. Songlist All The Good Times Are Past And Gone Arkansas Traveller Blackberry Blossom Boil 'Em Cabbage Down Cripple Creek Devil's Dream Done Gone Durham's Reel Fire On The Mountain John Hardy John Henry Little Maggie Nine Pound Hammer Old Joe Clark Patty On The Turnpike Pretty Polly Sally Goodin Salt Creek Salty Dog Sitting On Top Of The World Soldier's Joy Stoney Point Swing Low Turkey In The Straw Will The Circle Be Unbroken Will The Circle Be Unbroken?