MikeM - Posted - 01/14/2015:  12:35:38

Hello all

Thought I'd say hello. Thinking about getting myself a mandolin and was wondering if there's a standard or set text for learning the mandolin, something that takes you from a beginner to semi competent. I already have some musical knowledge as I am semi incompetent on the guitar and play at several sessions and a folk orchestra. Mostly interested in folk (English mostly but other British styles as well) and old timey/bluegrass. Sure they'll be lots of questions to come.

Ben Venuti - Posted - 01/14/2015:  15:17:26

Bluegrass Mandolin by Jack Tuttle is considered a classic by many, including myself though I haven't had a copy for over 30 years. Jack Tuttle was one of my teachers(my second mandolin teacher or was it third?,--third!) back in the 70's when I went to Boston to play in a band.. I've bought a lot of books but rarely used them --mostly like with fiddle tunes for example I get to the point that I'm familiar enough with the tune that I can whistle it. If I can whistle it I can find the notes. Franklin George taught me that little trick and it works! Same with Tab and musical notation with less complicated stuff (and by that I mean any kind of folk music) I start reading the tab or the chart and a few notes into it I can just end up finishing it on my own, Lots of tab on the internet if you search around. There is a Mandolin for Dummies book that I've heard good things about. I think a book that just explains various styles and techniques rather than just teach you some tunes would be a great book to find. I'd suggest that you find the very best teacher available anyplace you can get to. A teacher can give you lots of pointers and help you develop good habits and give you a great jump start. These on line video classes seem promising and with them you can maybe touch base with someone who's music might have been one of the reasons you picked up a mandolin in the first place. That is if you don't happen to have a real person like that near you. Mike Marshall,Tim O'Brian and I've heard Chris Thili , just to name a few, are offering online classes.

Ben Venuti - Posted - 01/14/2015:  18:12:34

Oops it's Jack Tottle who wrote the book ---not to be confused with the Jack Tuttle that suddenly appeared on the home page video. Jack Tuttle is obviously a really great teacher as well gauging by how well his kids and students play!

Rob Beck - Posted - 01/15/2015:  00:36:57

Hello Mike,  I'm afraid I have nothing to add about set texts for mandolin, but wanted to say "welcome!".  I expect most people came to the mandolin from another instrument, so you are in good company.  I personally find that mandolin and guitar played together complement each other very well, especially in a folk context, so I'm sure you will progress well if you practice with your guitar playing friends. I have found that technique is possibly more important with mandolin than it is with guitar, so try to adopt good habits early!  BTW I am in South East Cornwall, so possibly not too far away from you (depending on whereabouts you are in Devon of course!)

Rob Beck - Posted - 01/15/2015:  00:42:24

This is quite a useful video about technique

MikeM - Posted - 01/15/2015:  01:28:04

thanks Ben, I shall look them up.

Rob, I'm about halfway between Okehampton and Holsworthy. I play guitar in one of Wren Music's Folk Orchestras, so hoping to add something to that, and join their Mandolin orchestra when my chops are up to speed. There's a couple of bluegrass sessions down Tavi way I believe, should be fun.

Just scored a temporary free mandolin from a friend (mentioned on a guitar forum that I was after one and was looking to trade some items for one when he said he had a good learner one knocking about that I could have for postage, so bit of a result there).

Rob Beck - Posted - 01/15/2015:  02:34:02

I considered that mandolin orchestra for a while too Mike, but I decided that it is unfortunately just a bit too far away to be able to make a regular commitment.

MikeM - Posted - 01/15/2015:  02:47:32

yeah, that is one problem with this part of the world (we moved down from Herts 4 years ago) is that everything is a long way from everything else. Think I got lucky the folk orchestra and mando orchestra are almost on my doorstep, I know some folks who travel for an hour each week to get to the folk orchestra. Though you guys on the south coast are pretty well served for sessions etc. Not much of that goes on where I am.

Donnie - Posted - 01/15/2015:  07:48:23

Welcome Mike, books are fine, especially chord books, but most important play with others. Watch and listen, get a good sence of rythum. Most groups will understand you are just beginning, and will help you if they are not too snobish. Youtube is a wealth of information and help; I wish it had been around when I was starting out! Good luck and PLAY, PRACTICE, PLAY all you can!

phiddlepicker - Posted - 01/16/2015:  06:16:12

When I started you had to find a player and get him tanked enough that he'd show you some stuff. That has all changed. There are so many FREE resources at your fingertip now you just have to sit down and start playing.



Youtube has a buttload of free lessons and tune instructions and this website and its members can take you wherever you want to go...but it's up to you how much you put into it. Don't get caught up in the details to the point that it inhibits your time spent practicing. Just get playing.

Edited by - phiddlepicker on 01/16/2015 06:16:35

TeachinMandolin444 - Posted - 01/16/2015:  07:35:14

Welcome to the forum! Guitar is my 1st instrument as well. I also teach beginning mandolin on Skype- See my listing under teachers on this site. That being said, one of the best books out there is "Beginning mandolin for the Complete Ignoramous" by Waynne Erbsen- I teach beginners using this book- it teaches beginning bluegrass. I can also custom tailor any mandolin classes for you to include traditional English & Celtic tunes. Don't worry with chords right off....I prefer beginners get used to the fingerboard and learning right hand technique first.