PDA

View Full Version : Mons mando picking pre-Blue Grass Boys.


mandozilla
May-20-2009, 2:38am
This was inspired by the thread mandolirious just started on Monroes recording that illustrate his evolving techniques.

I was wondering if you think there is any value in going back and studying closely Monroes mandolin picking technique (tremolo city) from the old Blue Bird label recordings he made with Charlie?

I often think this would have been a good idea when I first started delving into the Monroe style as a foundation to his subsequent 'Bluegrass' picking style but failed to do so.

Also, do you think someone who is just starting to learn BG mandolin and is interested in Bills' style might benefit from learning some of these simpler techiques? :grin:

~o):mandosmiley:
mandolirius
May-20-2009, 3:09am
<I was wondering if you think there is any value in going back and studying closely Monroes mandolin picking technique (tremolo city) from the old Blue Bird label recordings he made with Charlie?>

I'd say so. He does play in a slightly different style than he did with his own band, but he also had a much different role to play, being the only instrumentalist, so you hear him in another context.
earthsave
May-20-2009, 10:21am
I really like the old stuff. It's amazing how fast he tremeloed even in the early days with Charlie. New River Train is an avalanche of notes.

Things like True Life Blues, later in the early 40's has another fast tremelo break.
Charley wild
May-20-2009, 11:20am
As I've mentioned in other threads chords and a little tremolo is all I'm capable of. Luckily I too love the old style of playing. I would certainly agree that the early Monroe style would be ideal for a beginner. Too many people equate Bluegrass mandolin with simply playing fiddle tunes. (I'm ducking for cover, here! lol) What better way to get started playing Bluegrass mandolin than starting with the roots! Also I like Everett Lilly. The album he and Bea made with just guitar and mandolin is worth a listen. These albums are ideal from another stand point. They are uncluttered and you can pick out the mandolin breaks easier than with a full band.