Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 3

from: Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning

This lesson is part of the course Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning.

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Learn the basics of music theory as it relates to four-string instruments tuned in fifths. Chad’s practical approach will deepen your knowledge of chords, scales, and arpeggios, and help you integrate them into your playing.

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Major Chord Arpeggios

Learn how major chord arpeggios are constructed and how to find them on the mandolin/fiddle fingerboard. Chad explains that major chords are constructed of roots, thirds, and fifths: the first, third, and fifth notes in a major scale. Then he shows you different finger patterns for major arpeggios in bluegrass keys, giving you handy ways to visualize each pattern and advice about practicing them in different ways.

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Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 1

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2

Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 3

Continuing the last lesson, Chad gives you more ideas of bluegrass vocabulary to add to your playing in the key of C, including more bluesy phrases on the top strings, double-stop scale licks, and minor blues sounds. He mostly uses the call-and-response approach, occasionally stopping to explain what he’s doing and showing you how you can use certain ideas on F or G chords.

Previous Lesson

← Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2

Next Lesson

The Altered Dominant Scale, Part 1 →

Previous Lesson

← Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2

Next Lesson

The Altered Dominant Scale, Part 1 →

Previous Lesson

← Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 2

Next Lesson

The Altered Dominant Scale, Part 1 →

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Building Bluegrass Vocabulary in the Key of C, Part 3

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