Ronnie McCoury, the sensational mandolinist of the Del McCoury Band, teaches his most requested solos for the benefit of learning mandolin players everywhere. As an extra treat, Ronnie and Del perform each tune together before it's broken down into its component parts.

Throughout this lesson, Ronnie provides invaluable tips on many aspects of mandolin playing, including use of split strings, the double-time shuffle, right hand technique (keeping a loose wrist), working with tremolo, keeping good rhythm, back-ups with double- and triple-stops, improvisation and much more. Playing his Gilchrist mandolin, Ronnie provides advice about tuning up, as well as the strings, picks and other equipment he uses.

Like so many other bluegrass mandolinists, Ronnie's primary influence (aside from his dad) was the great Bill Monroe, and he starts his lesson with the famous Monroe "downstroke" style. The "Bluegrass Twist" is a perfect vehicle for the bluesy licks, runs and blues scales that were among Bill Monroe's trademark sounds, and you'll learn the solo phrase by phrase.

Ola Belle Reed's powerful "High on the Mountain" was the first tune Ronnie learned on mandolin, and he shows all the special tricks in playing this beautiful mountain song. Ronnie goes on to teach his own tribute to Bill Monroe, "Glen Rock," as well as show-stoppers such as "Quicksburg Rondezvous," "Baltimore Jonny" and the perennial Monroe favorite, "Rawhide."

The Del McCoury band is well known for the influence the blues has played on their music, and Ronnie covers the classic "How Long Blues" as well as country-flavored hits such as "I Feel the Blues Movin' In," "Highway of Pain," and "Don't Stop the Music." This intensive lesson in mandolin playing will greatly enhance your technique, and add some powerful tunes to your repertoire.