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Playing
Solid Rhythm
Rhythm Chops
Chord Variations
Picking Hot Leads
Mando
Secret
To quickly keep new strings in tune, replace only one string
at a time. Tune up to pitch and hold it there. Don’t tune
above pitch or stretch strings. |
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Playing
Solid Rhythm
• Mando drives the offbeat (unlike bass, which plays the
downbeat).
• Play chords up and down the neck, not just in home position.
• Keep it simple: only play variations that promote the rhythmic
drive.
• Listen to the whole band, with special attention to the
bass.
• Power and control come from your wrist, not your arm.
• Keep your wrist loose.
• Be creative: use alternate/passing chords,
such as 6, 7, 9, etc.
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Mando
Secret
For cooler sound, try using the rounded edge of
your teardrop-shaped pick instead of the point. |
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Rhythm
Chops
Vary your basic chops with more complex rhythms. |
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Beats
in 4/4 time:
o
|
1
and 2 and 3 and 4 and |
0 |
Down-stroke:
| • Up-stroke: \ •
Low (Bass) Strings Only: • |
Bluegrass
Chop
(offbeats only) |
1
and 2 and 3 and 4 and
•••
| •••••
| •••••
| ••••••
| • |
Guitar
Style
(“boom-chuck”) |
1
and 2 and 3 and 4 and
•••
| •••••
| •••••
| ••••••
| • |
Up-strokes
(create your own patterns) |
1
and 2 and 3 and 4 and
•••
| •••••
| •••\
| ••\
|•••\
|• |
Quadruplets
(supercharged spurts) |
1
and 2 and 3 and 4 and
|\
|•\••|\
|•\
••|\
|•\
••|\
|•\
• |
Swing
Rhythm
(equal emphasis on all
four downbeats) |
1 and 2 and
3 and 4 and
| ••••••
| •••••
| ••••••
| •
|
 |
Mando
Secret
To prevent strings from buzzing/humming, place a small piece
of felt under the tailpiece and behind the nut. |
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Picking
Hot Leads
• Be aware of what chord is being played at all times.
• When possible, play lead notes out of a chord shape.
• Use your pinky finger.
• Don’t get stuck in home position: move up and down the
neck.
• Be creative: bend notes, mix in double-stops, harmonize with
the melody, etc.
• For speed and accuracy, pick with your wrist.
• Mix picking types: tremolo, alternating up-/down-strokes, Monroe
down- strokes, crosspicking, etc. |
Mando
Secret
Your pick guard is more than protection for the finish —
it’s a finger guide. Don’t rest your fingers on it,
but brush it lightly to keep your hand properly positioned for
picking different strings. |
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•••
