Mandolin

quit and pick up the banjo instead

yeah, I'd say learn a few of they easy chords to start (G,C,D is the easiest chord progression to learn that a bunch of bluegrass and folk songs use). then strum along to a couple slower songs that are typical of the key of G.

Then try picking along to a few simple melodies in the key of G.

By that point you'll for sure be ready to learn the key of C and D and E, which at that point you've got pretty much all the basic chords down and can strum to 95% of country, bluegrass, celtic, and other folk songs.


If you want some song suggestions let me know.

stinky_petequit and pick up the banjo instead

That is a goal, I would love to play the banjo too.

VinnieFyeah, I'd say learn a few of they easy chords to start (G,C,D is the easiest chord progression to learn that a bunch of bluegrass and folk songs use). then strum along to a couple slower songs that are typical of the key of G.

Then try picking along to a few simple melodies in the key of G.

By that point you'll for sure be ready to learn the key of C and D and E, which at that point you've got pretty much all the basic chords down and can strum to 95% of country, bluegrass, celtic, and other folk songs.


If you want some song suggestions let me know.

Sweet thanks, I have already got G,C and D down and can play a couple songs. Any suggestions on picking and strumming with a pick in general, that is something I am struggling with. I have been using a guitar pick, are there mandolin specific picks, or is the one I am using fine?

Left_BrothersSweet thanks, I have already got G,C and D down and can play a couple songs. Any suggestions on picking and strumming with a pick in general, that is something I am struggling with. I have been using a guitar pick, are there mandolin specific picks, or is the one I am using fine?

There are mandolin specific picks, but a guitar pick is just fine. Mandolin picks are just a lot more stiff than the usual guitar pick, so if you're using a guitar pick a heavier pick is nice (something over 1 mm). I do tend to use a .84 mm pick a lot though, but that's just what I like for a certain style of playing. Stiffer picks make faster picking easier and sound cleaner.

For some reason I notice a lot of people who are learning picking start with just down strokes. Don't do this. Both up and down. One of the most basic mistakes to get into a habit of with mandolin playing. Try and develop your own strum patterns, I rarely like to just straight strum but rather add picking with the strums to make it sound a bit more complete and stand-outish for when playing with a guitar.


Out of curiosity, what songs have you learned? and just chording along or some melodies?

cool!! I have one at my house but have never really tried to play it. I play acoustic guitar

stinky_petequit and pick up the banjo instead

If I opened a banjo store I would refuse to sell them to anyone who listed mumford and sons and the like as their inspirations for picking(OMG PUNS) it up.

I hate this new formula in music where every shitty song get's made "better" by putting a garbage banjo line. Maybe playing the banjo like a guitar badly in there for some twang, maybe a repetitive banjo line like mumford and sons where they have the same boring line in like 50 different mediocre songs.

The banjo is a great instrument. I just hate that it became "cool" so now every hipster has to trade in their guitar and start a band butchering that.

Mandolins are pretty rad as well. Check out Jeff Austin, David Grisman, the mando in greensky bluegrass and leftover salmon are both pretty solid.

Jam with friends. If you have friends that play the guitar play with them. Even if you suck, keep sucking, eventually the music will get better and all the sudden you'll be crushing it. Also playing with other people keeps things fresh, makes it easier to not get stuck in ruts, play things you might not have played on your own, and learn how to read where other people are going and follow with the tunes.

As far as the banjo, ignore my rant and have a good time.

some mainstream eddie vedder stuff. mega jam time

theabortionatorIf I opened a banjo store I would refuse to sell them to anyone who listed mumford and sons and the like as their inspirations for picking(OMG PUNS) it up.

I hate this new formula in music where every shitty song get's made "better" by putting a garbage banjo line. Maybe playing the banjo like a guitar badly in there for some twang, maybe a repetitive banjo line like mumford and sons where they have the same boring line in like 50 different mediocre songs.

i agree, all of mumford and sons songs sound the same. Bands like them sorta degrade the original coolness about the banjo and turn it into a more universal "hipster" instrument like you said. Stick with the mandolin op, or pick up the fiddle. guys who can play the fiddle friggin know what they're doing

Am I the only one who thinks bluegrass is the most soul soothing music that exists?

CyabskiAm I the only one who thinks bluegrass is the most soul soothing music that exists?

I guess it soothes the soul but I generally think of mellower stuff with the word "soothing". Bluegrass is a kick off your shoes, grab a beer, and dance like a mad man in the sunshine, toes in the grass just loving life kind of music to me.

theabortionatorI guess it soothes the soul but I generally think of mellower stuff with the word "soothing". Bluegrass is a kick off your shoes, grab a beer, and dance like a mad man in the sunshine, toes in the grass just loving life kind of music to me.

Yeah i guess i mean more like it is a good stress reliever.

VinnieFThere are mandolin specific picks, but a guitar pick is just fine. Mandolin picks are just a lot more stiff than the usual guitar pick, so if you're using a guitar pick a heavier pick is nice (something over 1 mm). I do tend to use a .84 mm pick a lot though, but that's just what I like for a certain style of playing. Stiffer picks make faster picking easier and sound cleaner.

For some reason I notice a lot of people who are learning picking start with just down strokes. Don't do this. Both up and down. One of the most basic mistakes to get into a habit of with mandolin playing. Try and develop your own strum patterns, I rarely like to just straight strum but rather add picking with the strums to make it sound a bit more complete and stand-outish for when playing with a guitar.


Out of curiosity, what songs have you learned? and just chording along or some melodies?

Ya, I have dabbled with other stringed instruments that do not use a pick so I understand different strumming patterns and rhythms. I am just having a hard time sounding smooth when I play with a pick.

The two main songs I have been learning are the hymn I'll Fly Away and Stella by Cereus Bright
I'll Fly Away has a how to YouTube video that I have been watching, and I just picked up Stella by ear.

theabortionatorI guess it soothes the soul but I generally think of mellower stuff with the word "soothing". Bluegrass is a kick off your shoes, grab a beer, and dance like a mad man in the sunshine, toes in the grass just loving life kind of music to me.

This, nothing like some good bluegrass or folk to stomp a foot and dance to.