Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 1

from: Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist

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

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About This Course

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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Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo

Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 1

Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 2: Play-Along Track

Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 1

Bill Monroe’s solo on his recording of “Walls of Time” includes a steady 16th-note tremolo, eighth notes played with downstrokes, and a number of his characteristic arpeggio licks, as well as some subtle syncopations and variations on phrases. Sharon gives you advice on playing the 16th-note tremolo by using your arm and wrist together and then walks you through the solo, which is in the key of C and starts with a quick 16th-note run up to the C on the second string.

"Walls of Time" (Available to subscribers)

"Walls of Time" Solo MP3 Download (Available to subscribers)

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← Walls of Time: Ricky Skaggs Solo, Part 3: Play-Along Track

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Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 2: Play-Along Track →

Previous Lesson

← Walls of Time: Ricky Skaggs Solo, Part 3: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 2: Play-Along Track →

Previous Lesson

← Walls of Time: Ricky Skaggs Solo, Part 3: Play-Along Track

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Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 2: Play-Along Track →

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Walls of Time: Bill Monroe Solo, Part 1

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