Welcome!

From Ed himself,

Hello. I've been playing Bluegrass music for over 40 years. I play mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass and a smattering of banjo. I've played and recorded with many of the finest bands in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you would like to hear my interpretation of the traditional sound, just click on the provided links.

I am now offering my years of study and insight of this style of music to others in a DVD format. Perhaps my version of tunes or song breaks could help one understand what I think bluegrass is all about and help you come to your own understanding and conclusions. My mandolin playing is deeply rooted in Bill Monroe's original style, with more than a touch of classic fiddle.

To me, melody is a very important part of this style of music. The fiddle, mandolin and banjo are perfect for conveying melody as lead instruments. I have always believed that one should be able to recognize what song is being played, just by hearing what the lead instrument is playing, long before any words are sung.

Under the Store section you will find the first of several DVD's and training materials directed towards helping others find their own way within this traditional style.

I play by ear and believe this music is an oral tradition. I teach by example and critique. I have created a DVD with three traditional tunes played as I would play them on stage, then offering variations on that, with back up suggestions offered in a band setting. Also included is an interview conducted by Richard Brandenburg of me and a slid show of my mandolin Nugget # 1.

Please feel free to email me with your thoughts and ideas of what you would like to learn.

Ed Neff