
by Mickey Cochran
Mandolin Website Map Return to Lessons Section
Notes: This is a very challenging piece...especially for octave mandolin...if you're well versed with your G scale studies, you'll find this somewhat easier to learn...notice the second part jumps into the Em position...notice that the notes still fall into the key of G. The Em scale falls into the G scale pattern. Because of the longer scale length on the octave, you'll want to start out on the first note of the piece using your index finger (first finger) followed by your little finger (fourth finger) on the B note. Then walk the index finger down to the second fret...on the mandolin, this piece can be started out with the second finger instead of the index.
Notice the symbol "P" in the second part...this signals a pull-off. A pull-off is achieved by pulling the string with the fretting hand after the note is picked. If this is properly performed, a second note can be heard that does not require any picking by the right hand (or left hand if you're left-handed).
Fiddle tunes are a great way to gain facility on your mandolin...and, learning how to play them in different keys will assist you in familiarizing yourself with the fingerboard. Notice the repeat signs (the symbols with the double bars and two dots)...this means you go back to the other two dots and repeat the passage. Upon repeating once, then you'll continue on through the piece. Most fiddle tunes have an AABB structure...and, you'll notice that the repeat dots separate these two parts.
Symbols for Pick Direction: D = Downstroke U = Upstroke (located above the tablature)
Symbols for Fretting Hand: 0 = Open Position 1 = First Finger 2 = Second Finger 3 = Third Finger 4 = Fourth Finger (located below the tablature)
