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An excellent choice. Jun 25, 2008
Well written, good tunes, and well organized. Much better than other "how to play..." types of texts. Having a bit of familiarity with the tunes helps, but that is always the case when learning music.
Great way to start playing Jul 20, 2007
I was searching for a really comprehensive instruction book for mando, and I have found one: "Bluegrass Mandolin" by Jack Tottle. While I realize there are many styles for playing, I think this is a really good way to get started. The lessons are presented in both standard notation and tablature, and they graduate in complexity as you get farther along.
My only complaint is that this doesn't come with a CD. But this is a slam more towards myself than towards the author. I am ashamed to say that, with the exception of a few songs, I am woefully unfamiliar with most of these beloved folk and bluegrass standards; and the majority of my learning procedure in the past has been by ear. But I am looking at this as a challenge and a way to exercise my ability to read and play along with sheet music. Still, hearing the actual song would help me play more fluid-ish. A check of the copyright page tells me that it first went to press in the late 70s, so CDs were far into the future.
22 of 22 found the following review helpful:
Start Playing Today Oct 14, 2002
Tottle starts with some musical fundamentals -- general points like reading TAB and musical notation, time signatures, rhythm, etc., as well as mandolin-specific issues like tuning. If you have another instrument under your belt, this makes quick reading and then Tottle immediately starts you on learning simple pieces. Since I already play the guitar, for instance, I opened this book and almost immediately learned my first rag.After you have half a dozen dance numbers under your belt, Tottle breaks out a small chord dictionary and introduces the idea of the structured bluegrass song, with instrumental breaks in between verses. Starting with "The Banks of the Ohio", he then demonstrates how to construct a mandolin break around a song's melody. As he adds numbers, Tottle increases in complexity, and it pretty quickly adds up to an impressive repertoire. Tottle's writing is clear and straightforward. All music is presented in standard notation and in tablature. Occasional charming photographs of mandolin greats add a nice touch. The book I have does not have the CD, but the CD can only add to what is a great instructional book.
12 of 28 found the following review helpful:
A Bluegrass Mandolin book! Dec 06, 2001
I like this book and it helps me play the mandolin. A Bluegrass Mandolin book is a cool one by the author named Jack Tottle! This is published by Oak publications. I got this book from my grade 6 teacher Mr. Dan LeBlanc last year and he gave it to me becuase I liked mandolins. This is a good book and the songs I like to play on my mandolin is: Oh Suzanna,
John Hardy,
Cripple Creek &
Banks of the Ohio. The song I love to play on my mandolin is Banks of the Ohio. There is a record inside the book and you have to put it on tape. I like this book because of the F Style Mandolin on the cover. Bill Monroe is in this book. This is a great book, A Bluegrass Mandolin book and I love it! Have fun,
And I hope everybody likes it.
11 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Bluegrass Mandolin Apr 05, 2000
When I started playing mandolin 15 years ago this was the only book I could find. It turned out to be a great investment. Easy to read, easy to follow. The music is timeless and jack has a very unique style. For beginners or experts alike theres a lot here I'd highlt recommend it
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based on 5 reviews
