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Shenandoah Valley Breakdown is a cool bluegrass jam tune. Today we are learning the melody of the tune, as well as some cool ways to spice it up using drones, slides, and double stops. These simple techniques are the bread and butter of bluegrass improvisation, and can turn a simple melody into a cool and stylish solo, which is exactly what we're going to do with this tune. If you like this tune then you'll be happy to know that I've transcribed a Stuart Duncan solo from a live performance, which I will be teaching in a lesson a little bit later. Stuart is one of the most stylish fiddlers ever, and learning his phrasing note-for-note, bow-for-bow, will open up the world of improvising for you. I've also included practice tracks at the bottom of the lesson so you can work this tune up to speed. Enjoy!
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The videos are great. I feel a bit out of my depth as I have been learning the mandolin with tab but struggle to read a musical score. I understand some music theory. What do you suggest I do?
Chrys,
I’ve started including a TAB component to go along with the standard notation for the fiddle lessons. I’ll go back and update this lesson as well as the old fiddle lessons so that they all have TAB as well 🙂 And definitely make sure to make an attempt to learn by ear before using the sheet music; the lessons are designed to teach you by ear. I include the sheet music and TAB because I think it will be a helpful resource, but I don’t want you to rely on it too heavily.
Hi Mike,
Could you please make me a copy of Shenandoah Valley Breakdown that is hard, but not as hard as Stuart Duncan’s version?
Thank you!
Will MacDonald