"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the mechanics of playing, we forget "to play."
We'd never undersell the pursuit of an in depth mastery of fundamentals and good mandolin technique, that's what we're for on the site, good tone, music theory basics, and effective practicing. Through it all though, we're here to make music.
Art.
The arpeggios, the FFcP, the m7b5 chords are nothing if they aren't used to ultimately express the soul.
This beautiful HBO video excerpt of young cellist Nathan Chan (11 at the time) does more to this notion than we could ever put into words.
Disclaimer: In the 'Information Age' of the 21st Century,
any fool with a computer, a modem, and an idea can
become a self-professed 'expert." This site does not
come equipped with 'discernment.'
May 28, 2011 | Nathan Chan, "The Swan"
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the mechanics of playing, we forget "to play." 
