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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 18
Location: Radford VA | Just out of curiosity what would I need to get started in the right direction as far as playing a mando? I do realized I'd need a mando... but as far as how to play it and all what would I need? Also do you think it's a difficult instrument to learn basic styles of playing on. I've played the guitar for 5 years now, I'm nothing more than a decent player. I wouldn't know how or if this would factor into playing a mando. But if you would just give me your thoughts on it... it would be greatly appreciated.
Patrick |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | you can tune the mando like a guitar but the true tuning is well upside down or like a violin. G D A E
If you get a good instruction book you can pick up some stuff in no time. I am real good at faking mandolin in front of my friends.
Matt smith should answer this question |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Playing a few chords on the mandolin is no more difficult than guitar, but requires the same effort & dedication if you want to progress further. Having said that, Steve Earle is a technically average mandolin player who has written some of the most distinctive mandolin riffs ever, & Dave Immergluck (Counting Crows/John Hiatt) will never be a Bill Monroe, but always has something interesting to say on the mando. |
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May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Patrick
As a mandolin player I would suggest that you learn it as a mandolin in mandolin tuning. Be aware that the mandolin is tuned the same as the violin, and that it basically is a melody instrument but also provides good rythym and the chords are relatively simple to learn as a few basic chords will work in any key by moving up and down the neck. You should treat it as a different instrument than your guitar and enjoy the differences, as with the guitar, scales are to be practiced, and the scales are in the chords. The little finger is important on the left hand as you are playing a seven fret scale and some scales sound better on closed strings, that finger takes the place of bar chords on a guitar. Get a decent mandolin and a book or two and mandolin music to listen to, and if possible find someone to help you as you learn. If you get good you may find yourself working as there aren't a lot of mandolin players compared to guitar players.
Bailey |
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Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 939
Location: Fort Worth, Texas | I picked up an Applause mandolin last spring - mainly to learn another instrument as 90% of the muscians I know or run into are guitarist. I always thought my fingers were to big to play, but found out it's not really a problem as it's a little differnt than playing the guitar. With a chord book I could quickly play rythym for songs with simple progressions.
I was even able to sit around the campfire at Kerrville Folk Festival and play along, even though when they would say "Take it away, mandolin..." I was all over the place. :rolleyes:
Two things that have helped the most for me is knowing it's the standard guitar tuning up-side down! And being around other mando players I've gotten to know (it attracts them). The internet has some good resources... |
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Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 146
Location: Ct./ USA | Ah, the Mando. I picked one up at Ovation when they first came out. Having carved some of the firSt necks and played some Led Zepplin on it at break, I fell in love with the instrument.The one I bought is cherry, sounding and color. Quickley I found this powerfull scale xxx3, xxx2, xxxo on every string or just the thirds and put it thru my Fender and boss me80 for effect wheww, improvize play 32nd notes pull off, bend, in any order, then get a book on mando chords, good luck, BUY OVATION! |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Right on, I forgot to mention that before there was blugrass, mandolins were used by early blues musicians with some interesting effects. Also the jazz style of Jethro Burns is an eye opener if you can find a recording. They are a versatile instrument and worth trying different styles and effects. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 18
Location: Radford VA | Thanks to all for the info. Paul I'm basically in the same boat as you in just wanting to learn another instrument. Like many of you have brought up, there aren't many mandolin players around... which to me seems more of a reason to pick one up and give it a shot. As I said though, I appreciate all of the info you guys have given me. :)
Patrick |
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Mando Players
