In this video, I want to show you a clean jazz lick in the key of F-major.  This lick is a standard jazz 2-5-1 line I learned from the Scottish jazz guitarist Martin Taylor. This phrase will expand your jazz vocabulary to improve your soloing and improvisation skills. It is an excellent example of how to spell out chord changes using chord tones.  If you transpose this phrase to all twelve keys, you will learn much about your fretboard and develop your harmonic understanding.  I can highly recommend it! In Mandolin Secrets Academy you’ll find: Sheet music/tabs Backi ..read more

  In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What is one of the most frustrating things you’ve had to overcome in music and how did you do it What does your practice routine look like right now? What type of pick do you prefer and why? Magnus's new lesson for Swedish fiddle-tune Hultkläppens Am Polska.   ..read more

  Welcome to our bluegrass mandolin lesson! In this tutorial, we're diving deep into the classic tune "Lonesome Moonlight Waltz" by the legendary Bill Monroe. For the rhythm we'll be incorporating chop chords to add that signature bluegrass flavor to the arrangement. If you're a beginner looking to expand your mandolin skills or an intermediate player aiming to enhance your chop chord technique, you're in the right place. You'll learn how to master the driving rhythm of this timeless bluegrass piece. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a deeper understanding of bluegrass mandolin pla ..read more

  In this video, I want to show you good exercises to improve your tremolo playing. This mandolin technique is a measured tremolo with a six-note subdivision played very smoothly and evenly. This is the kind of tremolo used to play bluegrass tunes like Kentucky Waltz and Lonesome Moonlight Waltz and many others. There are six pick strokes within every beat of the measure. We are playing a scale sequence in the key of D-minor, but I suggest you play it for different scales and modes in many keys. In Mandolin Secrets Academy you’ll find: Sheet music/tabs Backing and play-a-long tracks (MP3 ..read more

  Strumming into the world of Bluegrass mandolin? Dive into 'Fisher's Hornpipe' with this comprehensive chords lesson! In this tutorial, we'll explore the fundamental chords needed to play Fisher's Hornpipe authentically, using the chop chords. The chords are D, G, and A. ‘’ I will also give you some ways to alternate the chord progression of the B-part to make it more exciting and playful. From my demonstration, you will discover the mandolin's essential chop chords and how to use the proper finger placements and strumming patterns that bring the timeless Bluegrass sound to life on your ..read more

  Welcome to this bluegrass mandolin lesson! In this video, we'll dive into the beautiful and haunting melody of "Lonesome Moonlight Waltz." Throughout this tutorial, we'll break down each section of the song, exploring the melody and essential techniques that bring this classic Bill Monroe tune to life on the mandolin. From the mournful slides to the delicate tremolo technique, you'll learn how to capture the soulful essence of this classic bluegrass waltz. Grab your mandolin, tune up, and let's get picking! By the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid grasp of "Lonesome Moonlight Walt ..read more

  Download free tabs: https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/fastfingerbounce In this live video replay, I’m sharing one of my favourite exercises for building speed. The Good Stuff From These Exercises: • Build strength and precision to your left hand fingers • Increase the speed of the PRESS and LIFT motion of your fingers • Synchronize your left and right hand • Strengthen your mind to hands coordination • Great for warm up You'll find sheet music, tabs, and instructions for this exercise in Mandolin Secrets Academy ..read more

  I'm honored to give a mandolin masterclass at the biggest YouTube channel in our genre, Mando Lessons.  My friend Baron Collins Hill inspired me to share my thoughts on why you should play the octave mandolin. Make sure you check it out. ? You'll find sheet music, tabs, audio tracks, and instructions for all the tunes in the video inside Mandolin Secrets Academy ..read more

  In this video, I'll show you how to play the rare but excellent C-part of Fisher's Hornpipe. I learned this part from mandolin maestro Butch Baldassari. For me, the tune gets complete with this added third part, and I find it an excellent example of the brilliance and finesse that has made Butch a revered figure in the world of mandolin music. Butch Baldassari was a celebrated mandolin virtuoso and educator renowned for his innovative contributions to bluegrass and classical music. He was born on December 15, 1952, and sadly passed away on January 10, 2009. Throughout his life, he resid ..read more

  In this mandolin video lesson, I show you how to play a traditional Swedish fiddle tune called Hultkläppens Am Polska (the A-minor polska by Hultklappen). This dance tune is from the region of Bergsjö, Hälsingland. The melody is archaic and energetic with an interesting twist. There are elements of both A minor and A major and the scales used are natural-, harmonic-, and melodic minor. Our arrangement is a three-part arrangement with a melody and harmony part on the mandolin and the chords/bass part on the octave mandolin. In Mandolin Secrets Academy you’ll find: Sheet music/tabs (PDF ..read more