Beginner question…so much of what I am learning is bluegrass technique and playing with others in jams. However, I’ll be asked by friends and family occasionally to play them something on the mandolin by itself. The solos are pretty quick and a bunch of chops just isn’t that interesting with my very average voice. Do you change styles or add more open chords to fill the space or any other advice?
Mandolin alone
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Usually more open chords and sometimes trying to add fills or some “bass” movement on the lower strings, yeah. It’s tough but doable. Also just the way you use the right hand—rest strokes, dynamics, brushing the chords vs. strumming them, etc.
Thile is the master of solo mandolin + voice of course, just unbelievable. I know none of us will ever do something like this but I know you’ll still enjoy it:
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