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Sequences

by Matt Raum

For my first contribution to this website I've chosen to discuss sequences. It happens to also be the subject of Chapter 1 of my new MelBay book, Mandolin Technique studies, MB20671. Sequences are useful not only as a technique builder but also as an improvisational tool. A sequence is any pattern or shape moved through a scale, chord, or set of changes. It can be as simple or as complicated as you can create and the possibilities are infinite. Here are a few sequences built on this G major scale. The first sequence is a four note ascending pattern, each time beginning one scale degree higher. Numerically it looks like this: 1234,2345,3456,4567etc...After ascending, it descends as it's mirror image. The next one leapfrogs up the scale and then back down again. Numerically:132435465768etc... The final example leapfrogs down a third then ascends in scale steps to it's starting note, each time beginning a scale step higher. Once again, it descends in a mirror image of itself. Numerically 31234234534564567etc... Practice these sequences cleanly and with a metronome. When you understand the pattern, apply it to other scales and create your own sequences. You may begin hearing sequences in other people's playing (Grisman's a big sequence guy) and you may begin throwing them into your own playing. For more on sequences and other technique stuff, check out my book. Good luck.

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Matt started playing guitar at age eleven and was first interested in old time blues. The blues led to the Allman Brothers which led to the Grateful Dead which led to the David Grisman Quintet which led to Matt switching from guitar to mandolin. In June of 2000 he moved from North Dakota to Nashville. He has since won the Tennessee state mandolin championship in Clarksville and twice placed third at Winfield. He has played with the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, the Hot Club of Nashville, Roni Stoneman, and various local bluegrass and country bands. His first book for MelBay, Mandolin Technique Studies, was released in September of 2004 and a follow up book is in the works.