Mandolin Lessons
Gypsy
Picking for Mandolin
This lesson demonstrates how to employ the Gypsy Picking
technique on the mandolin. Includes 5 notated examples, 9 MP3 audio
examples, and 3 pages of text. Several of the examples are mandolin
versions of Django’s most classic phrases. Written by mandolin virtuoso
John McGann.
Gypsy
Jazz Chords for Mandolin
This
lesson demonstrates how to play Gypsy jazz style chords on the
mandolin. Includes advanced chordal arrangements of Minor Swing and
Limehouse Blues. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Gypsy Jazz Minor Scales for Mandolin
This
lesson demonstrates how adapt Django’s minor scales to the mandolin.
Includes two advanced solos for Minor Swing and four MP3 audio
examples. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Gypsy
Jazz Mandolin Solo: Limehouse Blues
This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune
Limehouse Blues
. Includes many of Django’s best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3
audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Solo: Sweet Georgia Brown (Beginning Level)
This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune Sweet
Georgia Brown
. Includes many of Django’s best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3
audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Gypsy
Jazz Mandolin Solo Sweet Georgia Brown (Advanced Level)
This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune Sweet
Georgia Brown
. Includes many of Django’s best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3
audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Deeper
Into Gypsy Jazz Right Hand for Mandolin
This
lesson continues John McGann’s exploration of Gypsy Picking for
Mandolin. Includes 5 examples of Gypsy jazz phrases for Mandolin and a
complete Gypsy mandolin solo for Dark Eyes. MP3 audio examples
included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Django
on Mando: Django’s Solos for Bouncin Around and Daphne
This lesson contains excerpts from Django’s solos for Bouncin Around
and Daphne arranged for mandolin. MP3 audio examples included. Written
by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.
Grappelli
on Mando: Stephane Grappelli’s Solo for Night and Day
This lesson contains Stpehane Grappelli’s solo for Night and Day
arranged for mandolin. MP3 audio examples included. Written by mandolin
virtuoso John McGann.
Grappelli
on Mando: Stephane Grappelli’s Solo for Sweet Georgia Brown
This lesson contains Stpehane Grappelli’s solo for Sweet Georgia Brown
arranged for mandolin. MP3 audio examples included. Written by mandolin
virtuoso John McGann.
Posted by Michael Horowitz on December 25, 2004 at 9:57 am in News.Comment on this post.
Bireli Lagrene’s Gypsy Project CDs are now in stock.
For more info or to order click here: Bireli Lagrene
Posted by Michael Horowitz on December 23, 2004 at 4:59 pm in News.Comment on this post.
This lesson is an introduction to Celtic DADGAD guitar. In this lesson you will learn special techniques used by Celtic guitarists. All examples use the DADGAD guitar tuning to create a special drone effect. Chords voicings, rhythms, and melodies used by professional Celtic guitarists are covered. The lesson includes 11 notated and audio examples. Three of the examples are entire Celtic tunes with detailed notation, TAB, and chord charts: “The Congress Reel,” “East at Glen Dart,” and a fingerstyle arrangement of “Banish Misfortune.” There are 14 pages of text.
For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online
Posted by Michael Horowitz on December 23, 2004 at 4:29 pm in News.Comment on this post.
This lesson is an introduction to Klezmer guitar. It includes explanation of the basic chords, scales, and rhythm used in this style. Also, a transcription of the Klezmer standard Odessa Bulgar is included. 5 notated and MP3 audio examples are included. 6 pages of text.
For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online
Posted by Michael Horowitz on December 23, 2004 at 4:24 pm in News.Comment on this post.
Bireli Lagrene is one of the most accomplished jazz guitarists active today. His career, which started around the age of 10, has included performances with some of the world’s top musicians. He has shared the stage with fusion guitarist Larry Coryell, fretless bass pioneer Jaco Pastorius, and accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano. Bireli is a master of numerous styles including bebop, fusion, and swing. He is also a multi instrumentalist with phenomenal skill on guitar (electric and acoustic), electric bass, and drums.
However, Bireli’s musical roots lie in the music of Django Reinhardt. Like most Sinti children, he was immersed in Django’s music from a very young age. While growing up in the Gypsy camps of the Alsace region of Eastern France, he developed incredible technical and improvisational skill. His talent was quickly recognized, resulting in performances across Europe as a young as age 10.
The following mp3 gives a glimpse into the musical life of Sinti children. Jamming is part of the every day fabric of life in Gypsy camps. There is no set time or place, rather the music just happens all day, and often all night. Sinti, most of whom play at least a little, spend much of their day visiting neighbors. Inevitably the guitars come out and music starts. While many Sinti guitarists do practice seriously, many develop a high level of technique through these informal jams that are a part of the fabric of Sinti life.
On the following mp3 Bireli is jamming on the popular standard I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. The rhythm guitarist is most likely his brother and bandmate Gati Lagrene. Take note of the aggressive “German” style rhythm playing favored by Alsatian guitarists.
There is a segment on the new Bireli Lagrene DVD which shows him playing solo guitar around this same age. For more info see: Bireli Lagrene DVD
Also check out Bireli Lagrene’s Gypsy Project CDs: Gypsy Project
Enjoy!
-Michael
MP3: I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
Posted by Michael Horowitz on December 23, 2004 at 10:00 am in Audio.Comment on this post.
