Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Discuss the Mandolin lesson: Exploring Backup- Ballads in G

https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/exploring-backup-ballads-in-g-mandolin

First we’ll take three pick patterns and learn to play them over the standard chords in the key of G. Then, we’ll add scale licks between them in a mock progression to practice making pretty noise with our mandolin.

Hi Ben, I know this is an older lesson but I’ve been exploring rhythm and backup more lately and thought I’d go thru these since you just posted the lesson in E this week. Anyway, these rolls make me think about getting some finger picks for the mando…and I don’t care what the haters would say about that. I’ve seen a few fingerstyle things on mando…I’d be a pioneer…oh wait, they’re the ones with the arrows in their backs…ha! :cowboy_hat_face:

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hahaha, I won’t fling any arrows your way! Actually a good friend of mine who plays dobro/steel/banjo for Rascal Flatts plays some KILLER mando with finger picks!

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I think this is one of the prettiest mandolin pieces I’ve ever heard. Thank you for recording and posting that.

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I’m really enjoying these back-up ballad instructions. They are easy on the ear and a little something different. Can you recommend a good medium tempo ballad to practice on in the background?

That’s a great question! Let me think about that, and see if anyone else here has ideas?

You can always use Strum Machine to create your own progression, fyi.