The Ultimate Mandolin Songbook contains multiple versions varying in difficulty of 26 of the most popular songs from bluegrass, jazz, ragtime, rock, pop, gospel, swing and other genres, in both standard notation and mandolin tab. The songs are arranged by Janet Davis to appeal to players of all levels, and the two included CDs feature her performing demos for listening and playing along.

Arrangements in the book feature alternate licks, endings, segues and turnarounds for improvising. Picking styles include: tremolo, Monroe style, fiddle style, double stops, crosspicking, triplet style, jazz style and more. The songs are in various tunings and keys, and the lyrics and history are included for each.