Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 1

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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Improvising on “How High the Moon”

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 1

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 2: Ella Fitzgerald Solo

“How High the Moon” Play-Along Track

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 1

Chad gives you advice on improvising on “How High the Moon” using the scales and arpeggios you learned in the previous lesson. He begins by playing through the melody, scales, and arpeggios, as you did in the last lesson. Then he shows you how to make musical phrases out of the scales and arpeggios, by playing with dynamics and expression, and how to create melodies out of the notes of the arpeggios.

Previous Lesson

← How High the Moon, Part 3: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 2: Ella Fitzgerald Solo →

Previous Lesson

← How High the Moon, Part 3: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 2: Ella Fitzgerald Solo →

Previous Lesson

← How High the Moon, Part 3: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Improvising on “How High the Moon,” Part 2: Ella Fitzgerald Solo →

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