The Sam Bush Mandolin Method

Hosted by Happy Traum

In addition to being one of the world's greatest blues-grass musicians, Sam Bush is a clear and dynamic instructor. This terrific two-part series will help aspiring mandolin players improve their technical prowess, build repertoire and develop formidable musicianship on their instrument.

Teaching traditional fiddle tunes, Bill Monro-style instrumentals and his own compositions, Sam provides detailed instruction in pick technique, rhythm, chopping, speed building, warm-up exercises, tremolo, improvised soloing and much more. You'll learn how to create variations on melodies, use drone strings for fiddle=like effects, employ crosspicking techniques for a smoother sound, and move up the neck to play in higher positions.

The songs and variations you'll be playing include:
Ragtime Annie
Bile Them Cabbage Down
Blackberry Blossom
Sally Goodin
Big Mon
Get Up John
Brilliancy
Whayasay
Big Rabbit

As a bonus, Sam provides insight into his instruments and equipment, his favorite strings, pick gauges and the ways that his instruments have been set up to suit his exacting requirements.