Mandolin and Fiddle Improvisation Using The Chord Tone Scale - Step

In this review of Mandolin and Fiddle Improvisation Using The Chord Tone Scale, the bottom line is simple: this book is a practical, step by step method for players who want to begin or improve improvising. The author lays out an approachable path that suits musicians who understand chords but lack a clear roadmap to soloing. For readers seeking a focused, methodical workbook rather than a collection of tunes, this review finds the book especially valuable for getting measurable improvisation progress in small, repeatable steps.

Key Features

• Step by step method: The book breaks improvisation into manageable stages so a player can progress from basic ideas to more musical solos with clear practice goals.
• Chord tone focus: Emphasizing chord tones helps players make melodic choices that fit harmony, which speeds up the learning curve for harmonic awareness.
• Designed for mandolin and fiddle: Exercises and examples are tailored to the techniques and ranges of these string instruments, making the material practical on the instrument.
• Useful for multiple levels: Beginners who have not improvised and intermediate players who want systematic improvement will both find usable study material.
• Practice-oriented approach: The book reads like a study method with actionable ideas to add to daily practice rather than abstract theory alone.

Who It's For

This book is best for mandolin and fiddle players who understand basic chords and want a concrete, repeatable approach to improvisation. It suits players who prefer learning by exercises and examples rather than long theoretical exposition, and those looking to add more musical ideas to their soloing.

Players who want extensive song transcriptions, recordings, or genre-specific licks as the primary learning material might look elsewhere; the book is focused on method and study rather than a large repertoire of solos or audio accompaniment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical method that converts harmonic concepts into playable improvisation ideas.
• Clear emphasis on chord tones helps create solos that fit the underlying harmony.
• Exercises tailored to mandolin and fiddle techniques make the work immediately applicable.

Cons

• The book is study-focused and does not include audio tracks, so learners who rely on recordings will need supplemental material.

Specifications

Product name	Mandolin and Fiddle Improvisation Using The Chord Tone Scale
Author / Brand	Pete Martin
Primary purpose	Teach step by step improvisation method
Target instruments	Mandolin and fiddle
Intended users	Beginners to intermediate improvisers
Approach	Chord tone scale method and practice exercises

Our Verdict

Mandolin and Fiddle Improvisation Using The Chord Tone Scale is a focused, practical study guide that helps players convert harmonic knowledge into playable improvisation. It is good value for those who want a clear practice method and measurable progress, though students wanting recordings will need to pair it with audio examples elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for absolute beginners?
It is best for players who already know basic chords and instrument technique; absolute beginners should have some foundational skills first.

Does the book include audio examples?
No, the material is study oriented and does not include recordings, so users may want to use separate audio resources.

Can fiddlers and mandolin players both use the same lessons?
Yes, the exercises are tailored to both instruments and focus on chord tone concepts applicable to each.