Oklahoma Redbird

by Joe Carr

Here is a great fiddle tune I transcribed from the playing of the wonderful Byron Berline. (doublestop.com). I took a few liberties with Byron's arrangement and "mandolinized" it a little bit. This three-part tune isn't played too often, so you may have to teach it to your picking friends. The hook of the tune is in the A section when the fiddler alternately plucks and bows the A and E strings. In fiddle talk, this is pizzicato and Arco. To simulate this effect on the mandolin, pull-off the open A and E strings with the left-hand third and fourth finger at the "P" symbol. Also notice the appearance of numerous "leading tones" such as the G#s throughout. These notes may sound jarring as you are learning the piece but at tempo, they will sound great. These notes are a characteristic in southwestern fiddling. Played well and fast this can be a real showpiece tune. Enjoy!