Intermediate Mandolin (Book & Cd) : Book Review

"Intermediate Mandolin" by Greg Horne is a fantastic resource that caters to mandolin players who have already mastered the basics and are seeking to further refine their skills. This comprehensive guide covers a diverse range of topics that will captivate and benefit intermediate players.

Horne's book takes a structured and progressive approach, giving readers the opportunity to gradually expand upon their existing knowledge. The author incorporates a multitude of exercises and musical examples that are specifically designed to challenge and enhance the player's abilities. These practical tools, accompanied by clear explanations and useful illustrations, enable readers to develop their picking, strumming, and chord progression techniques.

What sets "Intermediate Mandolin" apart is its emphasis on music theory. Horne provides comprehensive explanations and practical applications that enable players to gain a deeper understanding of the instrument and its role within a musical context. This aspect of the book is highly valuable, even for those with limited music theory knowledge.

Moreover, Horne acknowledges the importance of different musical styles and offers guidance on improvisation. This makes the book suitable for mandolin enthusiasts interested in genres such as bluegrass, folk, and jazz. By incorporating various styles and approaches, Horne ensures that readers receive a well-rounded education in mandolin playing.

Another noteworthy feature of "Intermediate Mandolin" is the inclusion of a repertoire of songs that gradually increase in difficulty. This allows readers to apply the concepts and techniques they have learned in a practical manner. By building a repertoire while simultaneously developing their skillset, players can witness tangible progress in their mandolin abilities.

What are readers saying?

The book "Intermediate Mandolin" by Greg Horne has received a range of opinions from readers. While some found the book helpful for their intermediate mandolin playing journey, others expressed concerns about its effectiveness and organization.

A number of readers appreciated the book's comprehensive coverage of topics and techniques relevant to intermediate mandolin players. They found the explanations clear and concise, making it easy to follow along. Additionally, many readers praised the inclusion of musical examples and exercises, which they felt helped improve their playing skills.

However, some readers felt that the organization of the book was lacking. They found the chapters to be poorly structured and the progression from one topic to another to be disjointed. Furthermore, a few readers expressed a desire for more detailed explanations and examples to enhance their understanding of certain concepts.

The level of difficulty was also a point of contention among readers. While the book is intended for intermediate players, some found certain sections to be too advanced, while others thought the content was too basic. This inconsistency led to confusion and frustration for some readers, who were expecting a more cohesive and tailored approach for their level of playing.

On a positive note, many readers appreciated the included CD with audio tracks. This allowed them to listen to the examples and play along, which they found to be a helpful tool in their practice sessions. However, there were a few complaints about the sound quality of the CD, with some readers mentioning that it was difficult to discern the nuances of the mandolin playing.

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