Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 2

from: Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist

This lesson is part of the course Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist.

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Learn to play solos on classic bluegrass songs and instrumentals using bluegrass mandolin techniques like tremolo, double stops, two-string melodies, and more.

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I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky

In this lesson you’ll learn the bluegrass standard “I’m Going Back to Old Kentucky” using a common technique in bluegrass mandolin: playing melodies on two pairs of strings. Sharon starts this lesson by talking about the basic right-hand technique for playing two pairs of strings at a time. She shows you how to keep the pick out on the edge of the strings and not let the pick dig in past the strings as well as how to slightly rotate your wrist so you can play all four strings (both pairs) at once. Sharon also gives you advice on practicing this technique with a metronome, with some ideas for exercises you can do.

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Clinch Mountain Backstep

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 1

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 2

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 3: Chords and Rhythm

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Play-Along Track

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 2

The “backstep” in the title comes from the measure of 2/4 (half as long as a measure of 4/4) in the second part, making the timing a little tricky. Sharon shows you the B part in this video, phrase by phrase, giving you lots of chances to play along with her and practice each phrase. She also shows you how to “ghost” a note with your picking hand, to make sure you get the timing right.

Previous Lesson

← Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 1

Next Lesson

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 3: Chords and Rhythm →

Previous Lesson

← Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 1

Next Lesson

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 3: Chords and Rhythm →

Previous Lesson

← Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 1

Next Lesson

Clinch Mountain Backstep, Part 3: Chords and Rhythm →