The Mandolin :)

[littlevenice143]

How challenging is this instrument? I have been thinking about trying something new. I think the mandolin would be so cool to play.

[mandolinlove]

Well, i've been playing guitar for four years and just got a mandolin for christmas and it actually came very easy. you may find that the tuning makes more sense than guitar tuning. so if you've played guitar it should come pretty easy.

[roswellalien475]

it's easier than guitar i think because the frets are closer. tuning and stringing is harder though.

[JenCFXfan]

I am not expert, but I agree- I played guitar for 5 years, then got my mandolin- it's easier for me to pick out music and play by ear.

And having short fingers it's a lot easier with the closer frets:D

PEACE

~Jen

[fourthgospel]

I began playing mandolin eight or so months ago and I think that I've just about gotten comfortable with it and its string senario. I had been playing guitar only a few months before I picked it up so I figured them our simultaneously.

The mandolin, I think, has a more comfortable tuning (fifths) because it is consistent. On the guitar, between the G and B strings, it changes from being tuned in fourths to a third and then picks up the fourth between the B and E strings. The mandolin is fifths all the way.

I love the mandolin...I have an Ovation (American, of course) that is plug-in-able. I am going to be pulling it out now and again leading worship at my church. It is such a beautiful instrument. I learned it mostly by ear and payed attention to the theory behind it (which was helpful in learning two instruments).

I'd say go for it!

[Thilefan]

I've played mando for about 4 years (All depends on definition of PLAYING lol). Anyway, I definately think that mandolin is easier than guitar. For one thing, like somebody else said, they have small frets (I have short fingers). Its no wonder Sean started on a mandolin (His fingers are shorter than mine even!!). So yah, mandolins I would say aren't TOO difficult to learn....and I STRONGLY encourage you to pick it up...its GREAT!!!

Robin

*The fear of the Lord is the begining of all Wisdom.*

[AmandaLynn]

I've been playing violin for 8 years and guitar for 2, plus a little dulcimer here and there...I want to start on the mandolin, but I'm not sure I have the TIME...could one of the mandolin gurus out there let me know how time-intensive the study of this instrument has to be (to be competent, not fluent) if you've had previous musical experience?

[Thilefan]

I'm a mandolin guru....but I am a complete mandolin addict...lol.
Well, to become competent (I guess thats relitive) I would guess takes quiet a bit of effort and time. However, since you have previous experience with instruments such as guitar and ESPECIALLY the fiddle (The fiddle is tuned the same as the mandolin) it will not take NEARLY as long to become competent on the mandolin. I would say, probabely about 2 years for you. (Just a wild guess in the dark!).

[bfn9yvv]

My seven-year-old saw NC When You Come Back Down video on CMT and has fallen in love with the band and the mandolin. He is begging me to take lessons. Is 7 yrs old too young to start? I live in Baltimore, and I don't think that there are too many mandolin teachers in my area. Can anyone recommend a learning kit or video? I want to encourage him, but unfortunately don't know much about it. Thanks.

Keith [bang]

[Thilefan]

Awesome!!!! I'm glad to hear there are young ones that are starting to like the mandolin...and ABSOLUTELY NO, he is NOT too young at all! I would recommend Chris Thile's instruction video..its the best you can get. Also, I will be glad to answer ANY of his questions about the instrument and mandolin theory. In fact, I'll teach him until you can find a good teacher for him if you want to do that...

Robin

[bfn9yvv]

:)

Robin, Thanks for the info. I have seen Thile's video and have heard good reviews. I will plan on picking it up. I really appreciate the offer to teach him until we can find a teacher. How would we go about doing something like that? What would you charge for being his virtual teacher? Again, I really appreciate it. You can email me with info if you like. I am in the process of picking him up a relatively cheap mandolin, and have promised him that if he sticks with it for 6 months, we will talk about buying him a nicer one. I am also looking for a book that will explain the bare basics (i.e. how to tune it). Any recommendations?

Keith

[roswellalien475]

you can look up stuff on the internet. that's what i did.

www.mandolincafe.com

tuning... i'm lucky my dad can tune ANYTHING by ear. he doesn't play mandolin. later we found out that a mandolin is tuned to the top four guitar strings played backwards! EADGBE for guitar so it's GDAE for mandolin... i think that's right (sorry i just got up and i'm still half asleep)

i learned chords first and learned to strum them to songs. then i bought both of thile's transcription books and cds and learned most of the songs in the books. robin told me to get the video so i did and it's great! i learned sooo much from it.

[katiekind]

I think Chris's video would be a little advanced for a 7 year old beginner although it might be inspiring...

One book I'm familiar with is called (I think) Bluegrass Mandolin and it is by (I'm sure of this part) Jack Tottle. We started a couple of youngsters on it. It came with a little square vinyl record (how many of you remember THOSE???) but these days it probably comes with a tape or CD. There's tuning help on it and it teaches you to read tablature for mandolin (very simple) and opens with a very easy tune or two. From there it moved along a little too quickly for my children, but I think we got our money's worth just for the start-up info and the first couple tunes.

(Incidently if tuning has you intimidated, you can buy an electronic tuner that makes it possible for a tin-eared person to tune an instrument!)

You could probably find a local teacher by getting in touch with your local folk and bluegrass society. To find THEM, start talking to small, acoustic-oriented guitar stores and such. (They may have a selection of mandolin books, too.) My advice would be, if you have a choice between the best musician in the universe and a person who is pretty good on mandolin and excellent with children, go with the latter.

Mandolin Cafe (www.mandolincafe.com) is an excellent resource. Also the bgrass-l is a huge bluegrass discussion list where you could post a question about finding a mandolin teacher in your particular town. (Not trying to take anything away from the generous offer of virtual lessons by the other poster!) Just search on bgrass-l (thats an L) and you'll find the list and how to post.

Have fun! When we were in that stage of life with our children, and falling in love with this kind of acoustic music, and getting plugged into our area acoustic music scene, it was some of the most fun we've ever had in our lives.

[roswellalien475]

duh why the heck didn't i think of getting an electric tuner before... i'm so dumb i probably wouldn't be able to figure out how to use one LOL. stringing is always fun too, i just put new strings on my mando yesterday and got stabbed in the face and sliced 2 of my fingers... i gotta be more careful.

[makandajohn]

First, thank you to the folks who pull this together...what a great forum! I am interested in learning mandolin and was wondering what brands/models might be recommended, as well as estimated pricing? I've played guitar for several yrs and would love to be able to play along to some songs--maybe get my kids as excited about NC/AKUS as I am.

I appreciate your comments!

Makandajohn

[bugamile]

I just have to say, I think this is the most interesting and educational chat of the whole club so far!!
Thanks everyone!
party
I'm shopping for a mandolin too. . .

[mandofocus]

The mando that I use is a Rogue a-type. I got it at www.musiciansfriend.com.
the price is now $129.00 ( kinda expensive). You might try calling you local music store and see if they have any and what they run.
Have fun!
-PJ-

[Thilefan]

Your Welcome Keith!

How would I teach long distance? Well, probably through Private Messaging. Your son could ask questions and whatever else. I could explain basic theory, and picking styles. Nope, I don't charge, I like teaching whenever I can, my reward lies in the fact that somebody else is learning the mandolin! Yes, it would be good to get an electric tuner for starts. Just remember:

E-Highest
A
D
G-Lowest

I still recomend the Thile video, it can teach pertinant facts about pick-stroke theory that are essential. Also, it is important to get your kid started out the right way, I didn't, and had a hard time getting out of my bad habits...which Chris addresses in the video. Thanks for your interest!

--Robin

[Thilefan]

I have found that Oscar Schmidt mandolins are EXCELLENT student mandolins, and have a fairly good tone, especially for the price. They go for around $450-$700. That is what I am still using, and am just now getting a new one.

Robin