Mandolin master Class by Brad Laird

[csstanley]

Well, I'm a little over half way finished with the book and am really enjoying the challenge.

The class is really meant for a nonbeginner like me. Its for those that have been playing for a while, probably longer than 5 or 6 months but if you have an idea on scales, "Nashville numbering" i.e. I IV V, and arpeggios you'll pick it up fairly quick. I was sort of use to this from playing guitar for 9 years now.

To start off he really emphasises learning the scales to every major and minor scale. He breaks them down G, G#, all the way through. You pick up on the minors from this.

He then jumps into Pentatonic scales and the purpose of using them in improvising.

It comes with a CD, which I haven't listened to yet, that has a metronome on it to get your timing down.

For someone with as little musical education as I have, which is none, its fairly simple and easy to understand.

I saw where Brad has posted this in the classifieds. If your looking for something good, then this is it. And just to let you know, I don't have any financial interest in this. Just a happy customer.

Oh yeah, he also has 6 different small self tests at the back to test yourself on what you know and need to work on.

There is a picture in their of a brain and underneath it says: It's not the type of pick you use. It's not the brand of strings. This is where it happens!

Here's the website: http://www.duck-wave.com/mandouniversity/

[Flatpick]

I've been going through the book myself and it has helped alot. I highly recommend it.

Great job Brad http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif Flatpick

[AW Meyer]

I, too, have just been working my way through the book. Prior to getting the book, I just kind of looked to "discover" patterns up the neck that work -- a kind of haphazard method. Brad's book has brought order to my chaotic way of improving my improvisational skills.

I certainly prefer "theory based" instruction to those books and videos that show you how to learn someone's arrangement of a fiddle tune note-for-note. They don't do much to help the player understand why he or she is playing the notes.

Thank you, Brad for a great instructional book.

[jim_n_virginia]

Just got Brad's book yesterday and started on it today. It looks just as he described it, made for intermediate players looking to go to the next level.

It looks very interesting and I hope it will help me with my progress.

I e-mailed Brad and he said he was willing to help if I get stuck somewhere.

I like the book so far because it is just not another book full of licks but something that will make me think.

good luck everyone in their studies! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Flatpick]

This is a Great Book, I've learned much and there is much more to learn. Some great practice tips and scales and arpeggios. If you learn everything that is offered in this book you will no doubt go to the next level and beyond.

Flatpick http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[csstanley]

I've finished the book and going through the Appendix.

May go through the book again to re-take everything in. A LOT of information in here. Very good stuff. I've learned SO much more in the last month or two than the last 6 months on the beginning Mando book.

[jim_n_virginia]

I'm about half way through the book and I love it. It is packed with good usable stuff.

But I can tell I may have to go over the book again or maybe a few times to get everything to stick. Hard to believe there is so much info in such a thin book.

I don't know it this book will take me to that next level (I certainly hope so though!) but I know I will be heading in the right direction. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[AW Meyer]

I emailed Brad the other day to give him some feedback about the book and he informed me that a second book is on the way that picks up where Mandolin Master Class leaves off. I eagerly anticipate the new one.

[csstanley]

Cool

I've finished it altogether and really just thinking on what I've read. I plan on going over it again to sak in more.

I have to say that it has helped me in my right hand left hand coordination a little better. Working on those arpeggios and scales and really thinking of what I'm doing on the fret board and striking the strings.

It's even helped me with music theory. All around this is a great book to have. And I can't wait for the next one to come out.