Bush, Sam

In addition to being one of the world's greatest bluegrass 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 Monroe-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 Goddin, Big Mon, Get Up John, Brilliancy, Whayasay and Big Rabbit. As a bonus, Sam privides insight into his instruments and equipment, his favourite strings, pick gauges and the ways that his instruments have been set up to suit his exacting requirements