In this addition to the popular series "School Of", Carr explains how to develop unique solos to any bluegrass tune or song. Using a combination of soloing source materials, including melody, scales, patterns and common licks, this work shows how to develop pleasing solos using the melody as a guide or only following the chord progression. This work is designed for players who want to develop the ability to solo ad lib over bluegrass changes. For intermediate players. Includes access to on...

This book includes 29 classic gospel songs arranged for chord solo style ukulele. In this style, the melody is voiced on the highest string while the chord or harmony note is voiced in the lower strings. The result is an attractive presentation that needs no additional instrumentation. Guitar chords are included if accompaniment is desired. The tunes represent the rich palette of hymns, songs and spirituals in the Christian tradition. The book is recommended for all levels, and includes ac...

In this addition to Mel Bay's popular 'Getting Into' series, Flatpicking Guitar Magazine columnist Joe Carr presents an overview of the exciting flatpicking style in tablature and in music notation. Beginning with basic chords and strum patterns, this book covers Carter style, fiddle tunes crosspicking, floating, improvisation and much more! Special sections address pick direction, pentatonic scales, dropped D tuning and how to read standard music on the guitar. Included are the 'Top Ten' ...

In this addition to the popular School of Mandolin series, author Joe Carr presents special arrangements of 29 classic bluegrass instrumentals The basic melody is presented using quarter notes and a maximum of four consecutive eighth notes resulting in very playable and true arrangements for beginning to intermediate players.

This new book is designed for seniors who wish to learn to play the ukulele. Care has been taken to select repertoire familiar and appealing to a more mature audience and attention has been given to the pacing of the material. Basic chords are given and variety of songs and exercises make the learning fast and fun. Play along audio available online for download includes all songs taught in the book.

Unlock the secrets of moving chord rhythm for bluegrass, blues and swing. Using eleven tunes in six keys including old-time fiddle tunes, bluegrass instrumentals and swing progressions, Joe Carr shows how to create interesting moving chordal backup for practically any song. Mandolin players can now duplicate the 'every-two-beats' chord style associated with western swing guitar. A single-note solo is included for each tune. Chord arrangements are shown in diagrams, standard notation and ta...

Mel Bay is pleased to present a comprehensive book focused on the mandolin stylings of "The Father of Bluegrass Music," Bill Monroe. Author Joe Carr dissects Monroe's unique approach to the mandolin through analysis of the icon's stylistic nuances, licks and repertoire. This book contains transcriptions, new "in the style of" arrangements, and characteristic chord voicings and rhythm/backup patterns. In addition, the author has included 32 never-before-seen photos of Monroe in performance ...

This new manual, intended for beginners, contains all you need to begin playing authentic Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and more on the mandolin. Starting with simple polkas and slides, 26 common session tunes are included. The tunes are all favorites allowing you to rapidly join the fun of session playing. A special section explains pick direction for authentic jig picking. Included are instructions on basic Irish ornamentation for reels and jigs. The accompanying online audio can be used ...

In this comprehensive study, Joe Carr presents all the major country guitar styles in tablature and standard music notation. Beginning with basic chords and strum patterns, this book/audio combination covers flatpicking, fingerpicking and the major country lead styles including Rockabilly, Swing and modern electric. Special sections explain The Nashville Number System, string bending and beginning lead guitar. More experienced players will find a wealth of new material in the sections on l...

Get that authentic, professional "Texas" western swing sound with these all-time best western swing guitar licks from master guitarist Joe Carr. In this book/online audio combo, Carr breaks down 60 great western swing guitar licks and how to use them in common progressions. Includes a section on scales and chords. Audio download available online.

In this new multi-volume series, author Joe Carr introduces beginning to intermediate guitarists to classic bluegrass ballads and waltzes. The object of the series is to ground players in good technique and to impart the essential skills required for continued self-guided development. The tunes are presented in both "Carter-style" and flatpicking arrangements. Perfect for beginning lead guitarists.

Patterned after Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method, this book and accompanying audio use proven exercises, studies and musical examples to introduce basic picking and reading skills for the ukulele. The book is recommended for students of any level, and is suited for soprano, concert and tenor ukulele. Rhythm exercises are also included. This method teaches the student to read standard notation. Includes access to online audio.