Some people probably enjoy living under a rock, but if you’re not one of them, then perhaps you’re familiar with the Masterful Mandolin Musings of Mr. Mike Compton. If not, sit back, turn your ears on, and take a peek at the following video lesson.

Old Mountaineer is one of the more obscure Monroe tunes and a personal favorite of mine. Mike often plays it as a solo number during his shows and I prefer it this way to the original band version. It just seems to let the tune breath better this way (YMMV).

Now, I’m not going to pretend this is an easy tune… ’cause it ain’t. This is some seriously advanced stuff! So if you’re up for climbing this mandolin mountain, bring your own oxygen. Or just enjoy watching a master at work…