Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 1

from: Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning

This lesson is part of the course Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning.

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Learn the basics of music theory as it relates to four-string instruments tuned in fifths. Chad’s practical approach will deepen your knowledge of chords, scales, and arpeggios, and help you integrate them into your playing.

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Major Chord Arpeggios

Learn how major chord arpeggios are constructed and how to find them on the mandolin/fiddle fingerboard. Chad explains that major chords are constructed of roots, thirds, and fifths: the first, third, and fifth notes in a major scale. Then he shows you different finger patterns for major arpeggios in bluegrass keys, giving you handy ways to visualize each pattern and advice about practicing them in different ways.

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Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 1

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 3

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 1

In this lesson, Chad helps you build a vocabulary of bluegrass phrases in the key of C, using some call-and-response exercises. Most of these phrases are based on the major pentatonic scale, with the addition of the flatted seventh and flatted third, as well as some chromatic lines. He starts with a warm-up exercise playing all the modes in the key of C, and then does some call-and-response exercises based on the C major arpeggio and C major pentatonic scale.

Bluegrass Vocabulary in C (Available to subscribers)

Previous Lesson

← Circle of Fifths Practice Track in D

Next Lesson

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2 →

Previous Lesson

← Circle of Fifths Practice Track in D

Next Lesson

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2 →

Previous Lesson

← Circle of Fifths Practice Track in D

Next Lesson

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2 →

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Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 1

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