MANDOLIN II
Congratulations on graduating from Mandolin 1 and welcome to Mandolin 2! In this class we'll focus on
learning your "bluegrass chop" major, minor and seven chords as alternatives to the open chords you
learned in Mandolin 1. We'll learn the G, A and D major scales which accompany the folk, bluegrass
and old time songs and tunes we'll be playing over the next eight weeks. I'll also give you pointers on
how to more easily learn fiddle tunes by recognizing the structure of the song, figuring out what your
chord options in each key will be (and how to predict which ones are coming up) and how to break up
the tunes into easy to learn/remember phrases.
Ground Rules:
You should know how to tune your instrument before starting Mandolin 2, so please be tuned up and
ready to go before class starts. Be respectful of whoever is talking. Don’t talk or noodle when someone
else has the floor. Be cool.
Materials:
You’ll need a mandolin, of course! You need a pick as well. Guitar picks work, but I recommend trying
out some blunt ended heavier mandolin picks. I’ll show you what I use and can give some recommendations.
Also, have a pencil to take notes, a folder or binder to keep your notes and handouts and a tuner. A
mandolin strap is extremely helpful in dispersing the weight and setting the mandolin in place so that you
don’t have to hold it up with your hand while making chords or playing notes at the same time! I also
recommend a metronome and a recording device. If you have a smart phone you can get apps for the
tuner, metronome AND recording device.
Curriculum:
This schedule is subject to change. It’s a general outline, but I will assess the needs of the class and
keep us going at a pace where everyone is comfortable.
Week 1
Introductions
Go over orientation sheet
Play a song or two you learned in Mandolin 1 with Keith Dudding
Review eighth note picking
Getting more familiar with G and moving up the neck:
Learn two G Major scales and exercises
Click here for two G Major scales and exercises
New Song: Corrina, Corrina
MEMORIZE THIS SONG
Click here for Corrina, Corrina using both of those G scales
Learn G, G7, C and D chop chords
Week 2
Play and sing Corinna, Corinna all together
Learn how to play tremolos on half and whole notes for the Corinna, Corinna solo
Review G scales and exercises from last week
Learn about reading and playing triplets
New song: The Girl I Left Behind Me
MEMORIZE THIS SONG
Click here for notation and tab to The Girl I Left Behind Me