How to Learn Mandolin?

[Tim Barron]

I have virtually zero musical experience, but my wife is encouraging giving it a try. I've read the previous posts about the different types of mandolins, etc. and I'm going to pick up an inexpensive one, and obviously, some type of tuner.

What do I do next? I need some type of book or tapes to teach. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

[Taipan]

If you're based in the UK I would check out Simon Mayer's books, also on the following websites is a list of UK mandolin teachers - if you're in the USA check out http://www.mandolincafe.com which has most everything to know. This is a good UK site for buying a mando, if you're in USA though it's worth looking anyway - also www.elderly.com has some. http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/erol.html#120x0

http://212.67.202.53/~simonmayor/MandoFAQ.htm

http://www.mandolinking.org.uk

Obviously in the likely event that you're in america those sites are mostly irrelevant....but hey, it's all good.

[mandoBob]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the mandolin!!! I hope you stay a while.
Having previous muscial experience I was able to figure out stuff with one of Mel Bay's begining mandolin books. They've got videos too, so check it out:
http://www.melbay.com

I was helped by Bert Casey's stuff too, and he's got a good book/video:
http://www.cvls.com/mandolin.html

And then of course there's Chris's video (about which I know nothhing, but hey, it's CHRIS!):
http://www.homespuntapes.com/prodpg/prodpg.asp?prodID=765

If you can afford it, getting some lessons would be worth your while, at least in the begining. I'm sure I've formed some BAD habits that I'll have to unlearn sometime, but I'm having fun anyway.

Here's my usual kinda weird advice: buy a wall-hanger for your mando, like these:
http://www.stringswing.com
That way you'll always have it out to play whenever you get the chance. It's made a difference for me! Plus all my friends can see how pretty it looks on the wall even if I dont make it sound pretty. Enjoy.

[Pickin' Fool]

Get a teacher! Get a teacher!

Wynton Marsalis once said (not exactly, but somewhat close) Seek out a professional instuctor. They can show you something in minutes that might take years to figure out on your own

I think another important part of learning to play an instument, and often overlooked, is listen to as much music as possible. Not just passively, but try to listen for the changes in the song, try to pick out the different instruments.

On the same subject if you are wanting to learn bluegrass mandolin, listen to the old stuff. Thile, Bush, Grisman are all amazing, but don't forget about Monoe and McReynolds, this is where it was all started.

I also highly recommend Mike Compton. This guy is my absolute favorite, he can play Monroe note for note, but still has developed enough a unique style that you can always tell when he playing.

Anyway, good luck in your musical adventure, and don't forget the most important component: Practice! Practice! Practice!

[Taipan]

You could try getting a mando through a school-dealer if you have a contact as they seem to have lower prices, also school's tend to have a lot of music lessons available so there may be mando teachers advertising there who can help you out.

On a seperate note, I've noticed you guys referring to tuners which seem to be a seperate purchase - is this just a tool you need to tune a mandolin? it can't be done by hand? or is it something else entirely?

I'm pretty much about to buy me a mando and my current pick would be the aria am200 because it seems to be reasonable quality and I can find a good UK price and dealer. It's not one of the brands you've recommended to avoid either (should it be?) and I steered clear of a cheapish Kentucky on that basis (on later investigation this appeared to be justified!)

[mandoBob]

a tuner is not a device that tunes the instrument for you, but it tells you when the string is in tune via a LCD display (or a needle). so it helps out a lot. but you could use a pitch-pipe or a tuning fork if you want to go low-tech. or if you never play with anyone (or any CDs) then just tune it to itself and not worry about it :-)

some folks such as myself cant afford to pay a pro for lessons, so we have to make do without. but somehow we make it. alternatively, you'd do well to befriend someone who has been picking at least as long as you've been alive.

[Tim Barron]

Thanks for the tips and links everyone. I'm in the Chicagoland area, so I'm sure I would have zero problem finding lessons if I choose that route.

[Pickin' Fool]

If you are in Chicago have you looked into the Old Towne School of Folk?

[NCFan4Ever]

hey you could buy Chris Thile's mandolin video..i bet that would help!

[mandoBob]

does anyone here have that video? I've been thinking of getting it. I'm NOT interested in how cute or hot he is, but I'd like to know if it was helpful or just overwhelming? I've been playing for about a year. thanks.

[NickelCreekFan1]

i got the video for christmas and it is very good....it does move a little fast if you arnt very coodinated with your fingers..like me!!! but it is an awesome video..i recommend it