Publisher: Mel Bay
Building a Foundation

"Theory and Improvisation for the Modern Mandolinist" teaches improvisation in many musical styles along with theory concepts and how they apply to the mandolin. The book provides access to different backing tracks and solo examples to help you learn. Every chapter includes scales presented in a variety of common formats: standard notation, tablature and fretboard charts.

Only requires that the reader can play notes and simple chords. It presents basic skills necessary for improvising over chord progressions found in all types of music. Sample solos and progressions are included at the end of each chapter to practice.
Whether you play bluegrass, rock, pop or jazz, this book will take your solos to the next level. Includes access to online audio.

Basic Chord Theory
Chapter 1 – Major Triads and Chord Tones
Chapter 2 – Pentatonic Scales
Angeline the Baker
Chapter 3 – Basic Minor Chords
Minor Pentatonic Scales
Wayfaring Stranger
Chapter 4 – Passing Tones
Minor Pentatonic Blues Scales
The G Run and Other Licks
Billy in the Lowground
Chapter 5 – Adding the Dominant 7th
The Blues
Chapter 6 – The Major Scale
Blackberry Blossom
Chapter 7 – The Minor Scale
Chapter 8 – Changing Open Keys
Chapter 9 – Closed Position and Moving Up the Neck
Visual Fretboard
Triads
Pentatonic Scales
Passing Tones
Dominant 7th
Major and Minor Scales
Chapter 10 – Mandolin Technique