Do You Want to Know a Secret: Mandolin TAB
12 Great Songs from Classic to Modern Rock
Item: 00-PS-0011784
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About the Composer: John Lennon
John Lennon (1940-1980) was a founding member of The Beatles and one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. His work spanned from early pop standards to experimental studio compositions, and he developed a distinctive approach to melody and lyrical storytelling that shaped rock music fundamentally. For mandolin players, Lennon's catalog offers accessible yet sophisticated material that bridges mainstream pop sensibility with genuine musical craft.
Why we love this
This collection transforms iconic rock and pop hits into authentic mandolin arrangements by adapting the original guitar parts, giving players a chance to own songs they already know and love. The mix of artists and genres means mandolin students get exposure to different rhythmic feels, textures, and playing techniques across a single book. It's genuine repertoire that keeps practice sessions engaging because the material itself is musically rewarding.
What to expect
Energetic and immediate. These songs arrive with built-in momentum and memorable melodies that cut through whether you're playing quietly at home or imagining yourself on a stage. The arrangements keep the spirit and drive of the originals while opening up the distinctive bright, articulate voice of the mandolin.
Who it's for
Mandolin players with solid foundational technique who are ready to learn rock and pop repertoire beyond classical or traditional arrangements. This book works for intermediate students seeking material that feels contemporary and rewarding, as well as musicians transitioning to mandolin from guitar who want to apply their musical knowledge to their new instrument.
How to get the most out of it
- Pay attention to the original recordings to understand the groove and feel. Mandolin timbre differs from electric guitar, so you'll need to find where the attack and sustain work best for each song's character.
- Work through the TAB slowly to map out the finger positions before pushing tempo. Many of these arrangements use extended ranges on the mandolin that require confident left-hand accuracy.
- Explore dynamics and articulation choices suggested by the original recordings. Mandolin naturally offers tremolo and damping options that can recreate electric guitar textures when applied thoughtfully.
- Use a metronome to lock into the rhythmic pocket of each song. These are groove-based pieces where timing and feel matter as much as hitting the right notes.
How to use it
Include selections from this book in a casual recital or end-of-year showcase to demonstrate that mandolin has a role in contemporary music. The variety of tempos and feels makes it suitable for building a mandolin student's confidence across multiple genres in a single season. Pair it with classical mandolin studies to show students the full range of the instrument's musical possibilities.
Skills your students will build
- Reading TAB notation fluently
- Navigating extended range and position shifts on the mandolin neck
- Translating guitar textures and techniques to mandolin articulation
- Playing rhythm-driven grooves with consistent timing and feel
- Adapting tremolo and articulation to match original recordings