J.S. Bach Selected Two-Part Inventions-- arranged for two mandolins in tab and standard notation, with suggested fingerings-- by Debora Chen.
New! Review of Chen's Bach Book from Don Stiernberg
Free Play-along MP3's
Free Sample --Invention 4 excerpt: Mando I , Mando II , Score

Bach described his two-part inventions as a method "in which enthusiasts of the keyboard are shown a way to play cleanly in two parts..." Eight of the original fifteen inventions are presented here, arranged as mandolin duets, but a mandolinist who learns both (equally melodious) parts will no doubt find playing and hearing both parts rewarding by trading parts with a friend, recording and over-dubbing the other part, or using the pre-recorded tracks below. Inventions included are: 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15.

For mandolinists trying to break away from tab, the score is provided in notation only for reading practice and may be read by two mandolinists sharing a stand; the parts for mandolin I and mandolin II include standard notation, and tab/suggested fingerings for reference as needed, or for mandolinists who prefer reading tab. (Editing favors easiest-to-reach fingering.) Includes running bar numbers for easy rehearsal. The score and mandolin I are bound in one book (39 pages), mandolin II is included as a separate pull-out booklet (18 pages). $16.95

Sheet Music--
J.S. Bach Cello Suite 1 , Prelude, arranged for mandolin in tab and notation, with suggested fingerings: A nice piece to with which to learn the upper registers of the fretboard. Suggested fingering will come in handy for those who already read treble clef fluently but who need to learn the fretboard. Also a good introduction to Bach for bluegrass players. $3.95

J.S. Bach Cello Suite 1 , Allemande, arranged for intermediate mandolin in tab and notation, with suggested fingerings. Easier to play than the prelude. $2.95

J.S. Bach Cello Suite 3 , Bourrees 1 & 2, arranged for intermediate mandolin in tab and notation, with suggested fingerings. Easier to play than the prelude. $2.95

Special: All three Bach titles & " Standard Notation for the Tab-Addicted Mandolinist " with shipping: $44.95   One button checkout:

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Optional Guitar transcription of Mandolin II (with tab and notation) will be published in Winter, 2008, and may be purchased separately.

For notice of publication, please put "2-part Bach, guitar" in the subject line and join the email notify list here.


Review:
"For centuries now instrumentalists have used the Bach inventions to learn about melody, harmony, and how to operate their instruments. Debora Chen presents them here with the goal of easy access for the mandolinist. Playing these melodies and hearing these harmonies will present many exciting possibilities to mandolinists of every style and level of expertise. Whether you're playing fiddle tunes and looking to get a little more 'flow' in your picking, or a jazz player listening for movement of essential chord tones, or a choro enthusiast attempting to cope better with chromaticism, or someone who wants to work on reading and technique without drilling scales, or someone who wants to play music with another person---THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!" (emphasis Don's) --Don Stiernberg

For help with practicing the 2-Part Inventions, here are electronic recordings of the set, played slowly with metronome clicks and without ornaments.  Before each invention, you will hear 2 full measures of metronome clicks-- with a higher click on the first beat of each measure--so that you can set yourself in tempo with the recording.  If you like, use them to learn each part, or to play the opposite part from the one you are playing yourself.  (Mandolin 2 is played by recorder or oboe  to make it easier to hear which part is which.)  Have fun!

Click on the name of the invention you would like to play. If you are new to contrapuntal playing, you might consider working on them in this order:  4, 10, 15, 3, 1, 13, 8, 14. 

Top of page/Purchase written music (tab & notation) for J.S. Bach Mandolin Arrangements

Bach Cello Suites for Mandolin