Jazz Mandolin Appetizers (book/Audio Online)

Mel Bay Publications
Level : Intermediate-Advanced
With notes and TAB
For players of any style.

For mandolinists who wish to expand their improvisational vocabulary and spice up their rhythm accompaniment.
This book include a batch of etudes that address the challenges every improvising mandolinist faces, as selecting notes that sound good with chord progressions and finding them on the fretboard. In the first section, new melodies are presented for chord progressions that are often played at swing and jazz jam sessions.
Concepts are discussed at the beginning of each tune such as harmonic analysis and the effects of certain intervals (useful groups of tones). The tablature suggests fingerings for the melodies. The chordal section shows how chords and progressions can be made more interesting by adding color, tension and movement. Chord substitution is also demonstrated.

Lastly, a study of chord-melody style playing is presented. Playing the melody and harmony at the sametime yields full sounding solo arrangements.