The mandolin is gaining popularity as a blues instrument and as the backbone of old-time string bands. Steve James shows how you can alter a basic G scale to create a blues scale, demonstrates picking and tremolo techniques, then teaches 5 blues and jug band tunes: "Divin' Duck Blues," "The Lonesome Train That Carried My Gal Away," "Juanita Stomp," "Saturday Night in Jail," and "Shotgun Blues." A must for anyone who wants to use the mandolin for rhythmic accompaniment or as a hard-driving lead instrument. For beginners. Note/tab included as either booklet or PDF file on the disc. 60 min.