Old-Time Country Mandolin Paperback – Audiobook, June 1, 2003

This is a no-nonsense, no-frills primer for mandolin players interested in getting started on Old Time style. The book lays down some quick fundamentals including common picking techniques, rhythm patterns, double stops, tremelo, and waltz patterns. These are the concise basics that will prepare you for working through the tunes ahead (as well as build your confidence heading out to OT jams). My favorite aspect of working through the material has been listening to Mike Seeger intro and explain the tunes before and after he plays through them. It really is as close as it is going to get to taking lessons from Mike himself. His descriptions, insights, and advice playing the tunes are a blast. I love it. As someone who has tried a number of mandolin books, this is my favorite one next to American Mandolin Method by Wicklund & Winship (although those books cover OT, Bluegrass, and pieces in between are fantastic!). For anyone looking for an OT primer on mandolin to get started with, I'd highly suggest Mike Seeger's material/ approach. For mandolin players and fans of OT and Mike Seeger looking for more about the man and his passion and contributions to OT music- you also can't go wrong checking out the One True Vine biography and Gone To The Country: The New Lost City Ramblers & the Folk Revival.

What's great about this book is that it's not just another book full of fiddle tunes. I like those, and own some, but didn't need another one. Mike Seeger takes a different approach here: he breaks down the style of old-time playing, bit by bit, and helps you tap into the old sounds. He starts with basic strumming patterns that will help you form a good foundation for playing the old way. He also beautifully demonstrates how to go from playing melody at the beginning of a song, go into the vocal and rhythm parts, and then go back to playing melody without it sounding "naked" and "bare." I also think he chose some great songs for the book.He does recommend using a certain type of mandolin, as well as a certain type of pick, to play this music. I'd not get too hung up on that if I were you, but I'd just play what you have. Many people like to play the old music on old instruments, but not everyone can afford to go out and buy a vintage Gibson oval-hole mandolin to sound authentic. I'd just take that part with a grain of salt and move on.This is a book I'll be going back to time and again. Highly recommend!

Can't get much better than Mike Seeger.Much of the information is on the accompanying cd instead of written in the book which I found to be great.Excellent for anyone interested in old time mandolin style.

Ce cours est très bien fait. Il s 'adresse aux débutants et faux débutants. Mais tout le monde peut en tirer un grand profit.