This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Irish mandolin playing. As well as being a complete guide for the absolute beginner, this book also contains a mine of information, useful tips and ideas for the experienced player. The book takes the reader from the basics of the mandolin right through to more advanced topics such as creating variations, emphasis, improvisation, playing with other musicians, practicing effectively and much more. All the tunes and key exercises in the book are included on the accompanying 63 track CD. There is no need to read conventional music notation as all the music is written in easy-to-read mandolin tablature. However, for those interested in learning about music notation there is a handy section on this subject tailored specifically to the mandolinist as well as a chapter on modes. Songs Include:

• Bobby Casey's Hornpipe
• Chief O'Neill's Favourite
• Collier's Reel
• Delahunty's Hornpipe
• Drops of Brandy
• Geese in the Bog
• Ger the Rigger
• Kerry Polka
• Langstern's Pony
• Mother Delight
• Oh! Those Britches Full of Stitches
• Old John's Jig
• Out on the Ocean
• Scatter the Mud
• Sergeant Early's Dream
• Slieve Russell
• Star of the County Down
• Tell Me Ma
• The Boys of Malin
• The Brighton Polka
• The Butterfly
• The Derry Air
• The Earl's Chair
• The Glass of Beer
• The Golden Keyboard
• The Green Fields of Rossbeigh
• The Humours of Ballyloughlin
• The Humours of Kesh
• The Humours of Tulla
• The Humours of Tulla 2
• The Hunter's Purse
• The Kid on the Mountain
• The King of the Fairies
• The Maids of Michelstown
• The Merry Blacksmith
• The Peacock Follow the Hen
• The Pigeon on the Gate
• The Rakish Paddy
• The Red Haired Boy
• The Road to Lisdoonvarna
• The Sligo Chorus
• The Sporting Pitchfork
• The Star of Munster
• The Swallow's Tail
• The Weak Little Finger
• The Wind that Shakes the Barley
• The Yellow Tinker
• Tobin's Favourite
• Willie Coleman's