Developing Melodic Variations on Fiddle Tunes, Mandolin Edition

By Scott Tichenor
July 11, 2003 - 6:33 am

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Mel Bay has announced publication of Developing Melodic Variations on Fiddle Tunes, Mandolin Edition, by John McGann. This is the second book of a similar nature authored by McGann with a previous title for guitar also released in 2003.

The book presents standard fiddle tunes in basic form, then shows you how, on a phrase-by-phrase basis, the tunes can become vehicles for your own improvisations. It is designed to open the door to creating spontaneous variations, or improvisations, based on the melodic structure unique to each tune. Each tune in the book is presented first in its basic form, then with four variations. The variations are printed directly beneath the melody with the corresponding measures aligned, so that you can easily compare them to the original melody and to each other. The accompanying CD features mandolin and rhythm guitar on separate channels, so you can turn off the lead and play along with the rhythm, or vice versa.

Intermediate in difficulty. Suggested retail is $24.95 and will be available at music retail outlets as of June, 2003.

McGann, a Boston area based musician is a former national mandolin and guitar champion and graduate of the Berklee School of Music. He now runs his own music transcription service performing custom work for the likes of Acoustic Disc and Homespun Tapes. He is also an active performer and instructor. Additional information on McGann is available at his web site.

Purchase: From Elderly