Elevate your playing with Jacob Jolliff, one of the most virtuosic and influential mandolinists on the contemporary bluegrass scene. A National Mandolin Champion and veteran of groups like Yonder Mountain String Band and Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart, Jacob is renowned for his clinical precision, lightning-fast speed, and sophisticated harmonic vocabulary.
This workshop is a deep dive into the technical and creative habits required to master the mandolin in both traditional and modern acoustic settings.
Workshop Highlights & Topics
Elite Technique & Dexterity Jacob will share his personal regimen for building speed, accuracy, and "clean" tone. Focus will be placed on pick grip, economy of motion, and left-hand strength to help you navigate demanding passages with ease.
Melodic Embellishment Learn how to take a simple melody and transform it into a complex, bluegrass-ready solo. Jacob will demonstrate how to add ornaments, double-stops, and rhythmic variations that stay true to the tune while showcasing your technical range.
The Art of Improvisation Demystify the fretboard using Jacob’s approach to harmonic awareness. Explore how to move beyond basic pentatonic scales into more sophisticated note choices and "jazz-adjacent" bluegrass runs.
Rhythmic Chop & Support The mandolin is the "drum kit" of the bluegrass band. Jacob will break down the mechanics of a perfect "chop," focusing on timing, muting, and how to provide a rock-solid foundation for other soloists.
Modern "Newgrass" Concepts Drawing from his experience with experimental ensembles, Jacob will discuss how to integrate non-traditional influences—from classical to jazz—without losing the essential "drive" of bluegrass music.
Participant Information
Skill Level: Designed for intermediate to advanced players, though ambitious beginners will benefit from observing Jacob’s world-class technique and practice philosophy.
What to Bring: Please bring a mandolin, a pick, and a tuner.
Format: This is an interactive session featuring technical demonstrations, melodic breakdowns, and an open Q&A session.