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Near the Cross

intermediate mandolin

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I just love this old melody! It's like it was made for mandolin, and the guitar backup is both challenging and fun! Grab a buddy and give both a try. The final lines in the chorus say, "Till my ransomed soul shall find, Rest beyond the river." Anyone else ready for that?

3/4 Waltz Key of G Tremolo fingerstyle

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  1. Owen Brady ·

    Third time coming back to this lesson over two years. It's amazing what shows up when you're ready for it.

  2. Sam Whitlock ·

    Not just you. I still count this one out loud and I've been at it four years.

  3. Ben Clark Instructor ·

    Memorization comes from playing it at a tempo you can think at. If you need the tab, you're playing it faster than you know it.

  4. FifthStringFred ·

    I had that exact problem. Turned out my thumb was anchoring in the wrong spot.

  5. Deb Carrigan ·

    Same here at first. What fixed it for me was practicing that measure by itself for a week, no B part at all.

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