“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 1

from: Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist

This lesson is part of the course Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist.

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Learn to play solos on classic bluegrass songs and instrumentals using bluegrass mandolin techniques like tremolo, double stops, two-string melodies, and more.

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I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky

In this lesson you’ll learn the bluegrass standard “I’m Going Back to Old Kentucky” using a common technique in bluegrass mandolin: playing melodies on two pairs of strings. Sharon starts this lesson by talking about the basic right-hand technique for playing two pairs of strings at a time. She shows you how to keep the pick out on the edge of the strings and not let the pick dig in past the strings as well as how to slightly rotate your wrist so you can play all four strings (both pairs) at once. Sharon also gives you advice on practicing this technique with a metronome, with some ideas for exercises you can do.

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“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 1

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 2: Full Solo

“Letter from My Darling” Play-Along Track

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 1

In this lesson, you’ll learn David Grisman’s kickoff and solo to the song “Letter from My Darling” from his 1991 Bluegrass Reunion recording. It’s a great bluesy, Monroe-style solo in the key of G, with tremolo, downstroke eighth-note lines, and quarter-note triplets played out of the G chop-chord position. Sharon starts by reminding you of the G7 arpeggio in the chop-chord position and shows you where to find the blue notes (flatted seventh and third). Then she walks you through the turnaround solo that kicks off the song.

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo Notation/Tab (Available to subscribers)

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“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 2: Full Solo →

Previous Lesson

← “Cold on the Shoulder” Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 2: Full Solo →

Previous Lesson

← “Cold on the Shoulder” Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 2: Full Solo →

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“Letter from My Darling” David Grisman Solo, Part 1

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