Boettcher - Posted - 04/29/2013:  19:10:42

So, I have been trying to teach myself chords by looking at stuff on the internet.  I just am not sure I am doing things correctly and would like to find a book to help me.  I am basically a beginner and want to learn to play bluegrass music.  Any suggestions on books?   

Joe Mangio - Posted - 04/30/2013:  06:58:54

Check out Andy Statman's book "Teach Yourself Bluegrass Mandolin", When I first started picking, I got it at the Library.

b4reich - Posted - 04/30/2013:  08:07:20

Mandolin Primer - For Beginners by Bert Casey (from "Watch & Learn") is a good starting point. It comes with a CD, (forget about the optional video) and is great if you read music or not. I taught myself to play from this book back in the day and still use it to get people started playing mandolin.

Once you're playing a little, I'd strongly recommend Famous Mandolin Picking Tunes by Dix Bruce. Don't let the small format fool you, this is a great book with CD (each  song recorded slowly and up to speed) that is full of songs that you can "cut your teeth on" and others to challenge you. In fact, Dix Bruce has plenty of free info on his site ( musixnow.com/ ) as well.

Maybe most importantly, talk to as many mandolin players as you can. Take in what works for them, what doesn't ... and develop your style.

Good luck!

Jim Yates - Posted - 04/30/2013:  08:26:42

I've heard good things about Jack Tottle's Bluegrass Mandolin book.

mojohand40 - Posted - 04/30/2013:  10:22:35

try:

"ASAP Bluegrass Mandolin" by Eddie Collins.  You can get it at Amazon or eddiecollins.biz/eddie/bookmandolin.html

Kind of a weird title, but a good book that has a lot in it! Also has 2 cds with it. Good stuff in it from beginner to intermediate/advanced stuff. I crack it open every once in awhile and find something good.

Boettcher - Posted - 05/01/2013:  12:24:34

Thank you all for your suggestions.