At the beginning of 2007 I created an experimental blog I called So Many Tunes to see if this technology would help me share some of my many tunes in a more organized way. At the beginning of 2017, in recognition of the 10th anniversary of So Many Tunes, I resolved to try and post new tunes more often. After a few weeks I realized that I was managing to write and record a new tune every week and, ultimately, I managed to continue that pace for the rest of the year.
This book contains 21 of those new tunes. These are the tunes that I chose when creating my Mandolin Tunes 2 CD in the fall of 2018. Each tune in the book includes a harmony part (with one exception) and guitar chords to encourage group playing.
The recorded versions of these tunes are not meant to be considered definitive. They are really just the way I chose to play each tune on the day it was recorded. Please feel free to play them any way you want. My goal is to create tunes that are fun and, hopefully, interesting.
Each tune title has a story. Rather than include those here I recommend you go to So Many Tunes and search the titles that interest you using the link to the "Alphabetical list of tunes" found under "Links" in the right hand column.
Finally, if you don't already make your own tunes I suggest that you give it a try. There are few things more enjoyable than following the thread of a tune idea as it leads you to a new place. There are few things more satisfying than feeling that you have made a tune that is a small part of a great centuries-old tradition and, in so doing, you feel yourself draw closer to those musicians, past and present, who practice the same craft.
This collection has the added value of a harmony part being written for each tune. Using two mandolins (or other melody instruments) and a guitar (or other chordal instrument) allows three or more players to enjoy the pleasure of group music-making. I strongly encourage you to play around with the music, concoct your own arrangements, trade parts back and forth, etc.
The Mandolin Tunes 2 Tunebook contains 30 pages of music in standard notation, with guitar chords for each tune. While you are free to add, change, or subtract chords according to your taste the harmony parts are based on the chords included.
You can purchase a PDF copy of the book from this page by clicking on the Paypal Buy Now button below or by contacting me via email. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your purchase I will send you a refund.
Published by Rosie and Earl Music (ASCAP)
PDF copy ($5)
(When PayPal notifies me of your payment I will send you the PDF book attached to an email.)
John Goodin, June, 2020
Created on June 4, 2020, last updated on June 4, 2020.