School of Mandolin: Rhythm Changes Book/CD Set

Pacific, Mo. — Mel Bay, Inc. has announced the publication of School of Mandolin: Rhythm Changes Book/CD Set by Joe Carr.

Unlock the secrets of moving chord rhythm for bluegrass, blues and swing. Using eleven tunes in six keys including old-time fiddle tunes, bluegrass instrumentals and swing progressions, Joe Carr shows how to create interesting moving chordal backup for practically any song.

Mandolin players can now duplicate the 'every-two-beats' chord style associated with western swing guitar. A single-note solo is included for each tune. Chord arrangements are shown in diagrams, standard notation and tablature. Companion CD included.

Additional information:
Book/CD Set
Difficulty: Beginning-Intermediate
Page Count: 32
Binding: Saddlestitch
Size: 8.75" x 11.75"
Purchase: From amazon.com

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Reader Comments

robert.najlis

July 08, 2011 01:54 PM

I would be curious to know more about this book. Is it just a series of tunes, or is there some discussion of the principles behind the rhythm changes as well?

Joe Carr

July 08, 2011 04:34 PM

Here are some comments from the book.

Two chord concepts are used in this book. Chord embellishment is the extension of the original chords in the chart. C becomes C6, D7 becomes D9, but no new chords are introduced. In chord substitution, we introduce new chords based on substitution rules. New chords are inserted into the progression. In bluegrass style, I strive to not change the basic progression of the song. Even though the mandolin chords may change, the other accompanying instruments can play the normal progression without concern for the mandolin part. Remember, when you embellish chords you don't have to tell anyone. The music will just sound more complex. If the other instruments play the mandolin changes, the character of the music changes. It no longer sounds "bluegrass." In bluegrass, I prefer the rhythm instruments to play it "straight" while I provide "color" with changing mandolin chords. When you substitute chords you may need to tell the other rhythm players. Your substitutions may or may not clash with the original chords. As always, listen carefully to the music going on around you and make adjustments as necessary.