One of the things I really like about mandolin is finding the character of different keys. I am yet to explore some REALLY odd keys like A flat, but I play in Bb and Eb more than I play in D and A. Just like Mando Chef wrote, Eb makes really great use of that open G and Bb the open D. Bb and Eb allow for a great range all in first position!
I have a mandolin tuned down three half steps and I bring it to the local old-time jam which lives in D and A. I get to figure stuff out in F and C. It is a fun little way to learn odd keys. I was playing Vicksburg stomp on guitar with a mandolin player who insisted on playing it in E. I put the old squeezer on the first fret and played it the way I know in Eb. I was not going to barre a C# and F# chord when I could play them open. Sort of the opposite deal, using a capo to play in a flat key! It is neat that you learned Sally Goodin in Eb, I put Down Yonder in Eb out of boredom while watching a Giants game and love it! New Camptown Races is a lot like Billy in the Lowground in Bb. Now, I see nothing wrong with using a capo to play in a different key in a pinch in a recording session, but at home or at a jam, take it off and see what develops. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Taterbugmando" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/taterbugmando?hl=.
