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The mandolin, relative of the lute, is a popular instrument for several music genres, notably bluegrass. Learning to play the mandolin is relatively easy; on the other hand, mastering the mandolin takes a lot of practice. If you’re interested in playing this great little instrument, here’s some info and tips to help you get started.
“The sound of the mandolin is a very curious sound because it’s cheerful and melancholy at the same time, and I think it comes from that shadow string, the double strings.’ --Anais Faraj
About the mandolin
The mandolin has four pairs of strings (a total of eight). The separate pairs are tuned to the same note and played at the same time. Thus it’s played as a four-string instrument. It’s a versatile, high-pitched instrument suited for taking leads, strumming chords, handling melody or harmony, and playing fill-in licks.
Two specific playing techniques are common with the mandolin: “tremolo” and “chops”. Tremolo refers to playing a note in rapid repetition to create a vibrating or tremulous effect. Chops are rhythmic, quickly played chords that are muted soon after being hit.
A mandolin can be tuned a variety of ways; the most common tuning is the same as a violin:
- Forth (lowest tone) G3
- Third D4
- Second A4
- First (highest tone) E5
Buying a mandolin
The price of a mandolin can vary from around $100 to many thousands of dollars. I would suggest that a beginner buy one in the $150-$300 range. Anything under that would probably not be worth the money.
Try to buy locally so you can examine and play the instrument before you pay. If possible, have someone familiar with the mandolin look it over.
Tips on starting out
- A mandolin can be difficult to tune. Getting the double strings tuned to perfection can play games with your mind. I strongly recommend that you purchase an electronic tuner up front.
- Mandolins are usually played with flat picks. Buy a variety of them to see what works best for you.
- The best method of learning is a one-on-one instructor. But you can learn on your own from numerous tutorial web sites. Also, check out instructional videos at sites like YouTube. It’s important that you learn both chords and technique.
- Attend some workshops and get involved in the mandolin community. Mandolin Café (mandolincafe.com) is a good place to start.
- Listen to the great mandolin players and play along with them. Study their techniques.
Some examples of really good mandolin players
When you say the word “mandolin” you think of bluegrass. But it’s used effectively in several genres of music. In a classical setting it sounds almost harp-like. Here’s a short list of some talented players:
Adam Steffy (Allison Kraus and Union Station); Chris Thile (Nickel Creek); Sam Bush; David Grisman; Mike Marshall; Peter Ostroushko; and, of course, the “father of bluegrass” Bill Monroe.
Also check out these mandolin groups:
The Jazz Mandolin Project (jazz) and The Modern Mandolin Quartet (classical)
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