In his easy and enjoyable introduction to old-time mandolin playing, Mike Seeger starts off with the basics, such as how to hold the pick and the proper way to fret the notes. He then covers more advanced techniques, including melody playing with tremolo picking, sliding and double-stops. Before long, the student will be strumming and singing twelve old-time favorites, including: Red River Valley • All the Good Times Are Past and Gone • Boil Them Cabbage Down • Keep On the Sunny Side • Hawkins Rag • Cowboy Waltz • Blackeyed Susie • Chinese Breakdown • Green Valley Waltz • Lesley Riddle Blues • Don't Let Your Deal Go Down • Deep Elem Blues.