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pettyman
Mar-09-2006, 10:43am
Hey guys.

Right, at the moment I'm focusing on being able to play some good rhythm stuff. Quite happy sitting in the background of the couple of groups i am part of when it comes to mandolin.

I've worked out a lot of fingerings and stuff but I was wondering whether there was some good instructional material out there to help with chords and strumming (including the chop)!??

DVDs would be helpful!

Cheers
Matt

Dfyngravity
Mar-09-2006, 12:34pm
You know, chord voing can be just as tough...even tougher I think than playing lead. Mike Marshall has a book out, The Chord Book (http://www.elderly.com/books/items/644-2.htm). I haven't gotten it yet but I have heard good reviews.

When it comes right down to it, just about anyone can learn the theory behind chords and how they are made but very few can master the technique of chord improv. I would suggest listening to a lot of jazz recordings(Freddi Green is a good example) and listen how they do their chord voicing, volume they play at, how they complimant the drummer, the relationship with the bass..ect. To learn about the various choping methods and how it can be used rhythmically listen Grisman, Marshall, Thile, Bush...ect. So just listen, listen, listen and try to imitate and then add in some of your own thoughts too.

mandocrucian
Mar-09-2006, 1:23pm
Niles Hokkanen's Guide To Mandolin Chords (http://www.elderly.com/books/items/46-13.htm)

Pocket Guide To Mandolin Chords (http://www.elderly.com/books/items/46-8.htm)

Ken Sager
Mar-09-2006, 1:25pm
Niles Hokkanen's Guide To Mandolin Chords (http://www.elderly.com/books/items/46-13.htm)

Pocket Guide To Mandolin Chords (http://www.elderly.com/books/items/46-8.htm)
The best I've seen. Highly recommended.

Ken

pettyman
Mar-09-2006, 1:29pm
cheers guys - any dvds on the subject - most of the ones i have come across seem to be mostly for lead/picking

Perry
Mar-09-2006, 2:26pm
pettyman:

These two have parts devoted to back-up:

Wayne Benson's DVD has a section on chord back-up. I think the tune is Leather Britches but the concepts can apply to any tune.

Butch Baldassari also demonstrates some chordal stuff on his latest DVD. I think he uses Whiskey Before Breakfast on his example.

hope that helps,
perry