Conclusion of Beginning Bluegrass Mandolin

Alright, that wraps things up for this DVD on beginning bluegrass mandolin. I hope you find this useful and become interested in playing, and that you stick with it!

Resources for Learning

• There are lots of mandolin websites out there now:
  • Discussion groups about building and repairing instruments
  • Learning music and exploring various styles of music on the mandolin

Exciting Musical Diversity

There's all sorts of music played on the mandolin, including:

• Brazilian music
• Jazz
• Many different genres

It's an exciting time for mandolin as it continues to branch out!

Importance of Art History

As a friend of mine likes to say, it's important to do your art history. Go back and listen to some of the first-generation players and bands from the:

• 1940s
• 1950s
• 1960s

Key Influencers to Explore

• Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys: The originator
• The Stanley Brothers: Ralph Stanley, still active with his band
• Jim and Jesse: Great recordings from years past
• Flatt and Scruggs: Well-known pioneers of bluegrass

These are just some of the great first and second-generation bluegrass bands to listen to.

Notable Mandolin Players

Some players that influenced me, apart from Monroe, include:

• Frank Wakefield: Learned everything Bill Monroe did and added his unique twist.
• Jesse McReynolds: Developed unique techniques, such as cross picking and split string techniques.
• Sam Bush: One of the contemporary great players.
• David Grisman: Known for his tremolo playing and blending styles to create "dog music," a new acoustic music genre he's been working on for about 30 years.
• Chris Thile: Possibly one of the greatest contemporary players.
• John Reichman
• Mike Marshall

There are many really good contemporary players out there to listen to as well.

Final Thoughts

But go back and check out some of the originators of this style; it will help your playing and it's fun to listen to.

Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you!