Hi folks,
I've been lurking for a couple of weeks, and reading some of the older topics before I chimed in with my first question.
For background, I've played guitar for about 25 years, most of that time as the singer in various rock bands, but since I was never the "lead" guitarist (I got demoted(?) to singer in my first band) I became very lazy about actually practicing my guitar; therefore I am a mediocre guitarist, at best. I do however have a pretty fair understanding (but certainly not mastery) of music theory.
I've recently begun to get a lot of enjoyment out of rediscovering the old-time country and gospel music that was ever-present in my home when I was young. So, that has kindled a desire to learn to play the mandolin.
Acknowledging my past lack of commitment to the guitar, I bought a very cheap Rogue mandolin from Musician's Friend to learn the basics and see if it is something I would like to pursue further. (I fully realize that I will need to upgrade before long if I stick with this, but I have to say that for $40 I am pleasantly surprised by the Rogue.) I've had it for about 2 weeks now, along with Bert Casey's Primer book & DVD.
Things are going well so far. The Casey Primer was probably just what I needed to have the basics laid out for me, and to learn a few simple tunes. However, I can also see that I am quickly absorbing this material (technique-wise), and the internet is chock full of tab for new songs. I have a pretty good idea of how to put together a series of exercises to develop basic scale familiarity, and I've already taken a look at the FFcP material here, and plan to incorporate that. I'm also working on getting some major chords ingrained in my "finger-memory". (I never expected a mandolin chord would require such a pinky-stretch like on that "G" chop chord.)
So, after that long-winded introduction, I would like to get some suggestions on a good progression of study materials to acquire. I'm not so much interested in material for developing dexterity, as I already understand what is required on that front (if I'll only stick with it). I'm more interested in stylistic instruction where the instructor disects a song and discusses why certain techniques, modes, etc. work where they do.
I don't mean to suggest that I have any real skill on the mandolin yet, only that I want to chart a course from playing simple melodies (rather slowly) to improvising lead breaks in bluegrass songs. I also welcome any and all advice from those who have walked this path before.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
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