This course has concluded. To view the current list of courses offered, visit the Winter Online Course page.
Monroe Style Mandolin with Matt Flinner. This course is intended for students at an intermediate to advanced level who want to focus more exclusively on the distinct mandolin style of Bill Monroe. Students will learn many concepts covered in the 101 and 102 courses, but with a uniquely “Monroe” take on them. Focus will be on rhythmic drive, the bluesy side of bluegrass, and learning the fretboard in various keys while learning many classic Monroe mandolin solos.
Register here.
Week 1
Starting with double stops
Picking Exercise I
Using positions on the neck to create melody
Bluegrass “Chop” chords
Gotta Travel On
Bonus Material: It’s Mighty Dark to Travel
Week 2
The Blues: some blues licks and fills
Finding blue notes in position playing
Bluegrass Special
Bonus material: Honky Tonk Swing
Week 3
Some classic Monroe licks
Moving double stops around the neck
Picking Exercise II
Y’All Come
Bonus Material: White House Blues
Week 4
Downstroke melodies
Picking Exercise III
New Muleskinner Blues
Bonus material: Columbus Stockade Blues
Week 5
Turnarounds and Fills
Playing in G, A, Bb and B
Working on a Building
Bonus material: The Old Crossroads
Week 6
A diversion into triple fiddle (and mandolin)
Creating harmony parts
Using chord tones to create melodic lines
Scotland
Bonus material: Stoney Lonesome
Week 7
Getting Up the Neck
Playing in C, D, E and F
Highway of Sorrow
Bonus material: Memories of Mother and Dad
Week 8
Sliding around Monroe-style
Moving between positions in various keys
My Little Georgia Rose
Bonus material: Live and Let Live
Register here.
To view other courses offered, click here.
The View From Here
Walking on the Moon
Latitude
Music du jour
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Hey Matt, I’m thinking about taking the Monroe-style class coming up at the end of the month, but not sure my skill level is up to it. I would feel confident enough to call myself an intermediate player but I have a long way to go before I’m an expert. What’s your opinion on where I need to be to take this class? Thanks!! Leann
Hi Leann,
I think the main thing you’d need to take full advantage of the Monroe class would be familiarity with double stop positions (the stuff from the 101 class coming up). If you feel confident that you can get around various keys with chop chords, and can play lead breaks in closed positions (we called them positions I and II in the 101 class a while back) in at least a few keys, I think you’d be fine. You’re welcome to sign up and check it out for a session or two. If it seems to advanced, you’re welcome to switch to a different course or bow out for a refund. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks Leann!
Best,
Matt Flinner