Mandolin for Guitarists Learning to Play Mandolin from a Guitar Perspective

SDate: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 20:02:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Mandolin Lessons Question

Greetings Ron,

I am a guitar player just starting to learn mandolin.
I looked at your on line lessons and found you
recommend the use of the ring finger for playing notes
on the 4th and 5th frets.

Yes, and there are other influences that will determine finger placement such as first and second positions, slides required within the song and whether you're playing a chromatic or diatonic scale. The variations are truly endless...fortunately, on mandolin, there are no real set rules.

If you find it more comfortable within a melody to use the 4th finger, you should have full latitude to do so. You'll only want to keep in mind that the mandolin does have a short scale neck, which is why the designations I've made are the most common for finger placement. For instance, when playing a full closed position major G scale, starting with the open G string, most all mandolinists use the first finger for the 2nd fret (A), the second finger for the 4th fret (B), the third finger for the 5th fret (C) and the fourth (little) finger for the 7th fret (D).

It seems to me that it
would be easier to use the ring finger primarily for
the 4th fret, and use the little finger primarily for
the 5th fret. Is there a good reason for not using
the little finger in your on line exercises?

Yes, the main reason would be that you would limit your ability to play further up the neck since you've limited your finger placement to the first 5 frets instead of the first 7 frets. Now, on a longer scale neck, such as the octave mandolin, the little finger is usually designated for the 5th fret...and, this is why it's more difficult to accomplish melodies that are far reaching within the scale. The mandolin is far easier to play...especially, melodies that fall within two to three octaves as opposed to a longer scale instrument such as the guitar or octave mandolin.

Do you offer a good mandolin book that naturally
follows the online lessons without a lot of repeat of
the on line stuff?

We do have the online lessons section, along with additional material which goes beyond the online lessons, scheduled to be printed the first quarter of 2005...

Thanks for tuning in with us...and let me know how else I might assist you through the mando learning process. Mickey

Thank you,
Ron

Subject: mandolin music
Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 07:39:34 -0800

Hello There!

I really enjoy your Website! I Have a quick question, I play the guitar (novice) and I plan on purchasing a mandolin. Can I use the same music? Does mandolin music require it to be a different key (such as flute music is different from trumpet)? It's just it's hard to find popular songs written for mandolin.

Thanks for your time Bing

Greetings Bing,

Thanks for tuning in with us...

You're going to find the mandolin very relative to the guitar in many ways...if you're already playing with a flatpick, you will find the mandolin right hand approach very similar.

As far as the music goes, you'd be surprised what is available for mandolin. I've seen books that have written out many standards for mandolin. Hence, my suggestion would be to research what Mel Bay offers on mandolin at: www.melbay.com.

You can use the same music as on guitar, only you'll be playing one octave higher on mandolin when using the treble clef.

Be sure to check out our online lessons section for how standard music is written for mandolin. You'll find that there's tablature to reinforce the positioning/fingering for each note. The tablature is written directly under the standard notation...this allows you a visual reference and will enhance your sheet music reading for mandolin.

Check out:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Hope something here helps you out, Mickey

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 22:09:45 EST
Subject: mandolins

Greetings Keith,

Glad to assist if I can:

I am looking to get into the market to purchase a mandolin-God and wife willing!! I stumbled across your site by mistake and I am glad I did.
I am a guitar player and want to expand my horizons. I do not like the flamboyancy of most of the mandolins out there and need some help.

Many do start on mandolin after playing guitar for years...this is a natural transition considering the mechanics on guitar are very similar to mandolin:

1. Both are played with a flatpick...
2. Both are fretted instruments...
3. Both are chordal instruments...
4. Both require a knowledge of the very same music fundamentals...

Now, outside of this, what is one of the largest hurdles is the fact that the mandolin neck is so small...this can take some getting used to, even so, once you do, it's really quite easy to switch gears.

I like the "F" style best. I do not care for laminates, at all!! (I really do not know why)
I have never heard of the majority of the mandolins that are on your site. I would really like to purchase something that would "last a lifetime" and I would not get tired of playing. Unlike a guitar, I noticed that most of the upper line stuff is all maple. Is maple the "Brazilian Rosewood" of mandolins?

Yes...maple is the standard...all of my mandolins have maple back and sides with spruce tops. The only one that doesn't is my Weber Sweet Pea with mahogany back and sides...which is more of a travel instrument...

I would prefer that what I get is American made. That probably takes the price way out of my league.

Not necessarily...there still are some great values in American-made mandolins...for instance:
Weber Hyalite
Breedlove Quartz OF
Rigel A Natural

These are still relatively expensive...what an amazing value they all offer!!!

If you're partial to the F-style models, there are some great imports that really offer superb quality for the price:
Morgan Monroe, Michael Kelly and Kentucky to name a few...

I play guitar in a contemporary church service and most of the mandolin playing that I would do would be to only produce a "change" in normal every Sunday routine. I do not "rip" the frets up, nor do I have a desire to do so. I am purely interested for the rhythm.
I would appreciate any and all help from you "guys" (and gals) Had to be politically correct (ha ha)
I am having trouble finding the used section on your site. Used is not at all out of the question for me.

Here's our used section: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page1132.htm

Hope something has helped you...Mickey

Thanks,
Keith McDonough

Subject: Breedlove Mandolin
Date: Sat, 29 Nov 2003 23:51:18 -0500

Hi Mickey,

Greetings Stephen,

Glad to assist if I can:

First, your web site, your knowledge, and your appreciation of musical
instruments is just fantastic. Being a marketer, I LOVE to see good
marketing and you guys take the prize. Your trade-in policy, selection,
warranties, I could go on and on. Gush gush. OK, anyway, I have set my
sights on a Breedlove Quartz OF and I want you to confirm my choice is good-
OR, recommend others I should look at carefully.

Thanks so much for the kind words...yes, I too come from a Marketing/Design background. I'm now a corporate refugee...I used to be a one-man ad agency for Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors...and, I really enjoyed it for approximately 10 years...even more so, I truly enjoy carrying the acoustic music flag.

Here's my info:

1. I've played guitar for 25 years (not passively, I'm a song writer /
"player"). Last month I finally had to ask a friend to loan me his
mandolin, which he did. I played it for a couple of weeks and fell in love.
You can play the same chord 72 different ways, I love it. I must have one.

They are fun! I also played guitar before taking up the mandolin and found the transition fun and easy. Many of the mechanics are relative. If you're a fingerstyle guitarist, you might also experiment with fingerpicking mandolin. I've explored this approach, along with flatpicking, now for many years and found that the potential is immense. I'm hoping to put out an instructional video on fingerpicking mandolin soon...

2. I have ecclectic musical tastes- blues, folk, bluegrass, celtic,
whatever John Hiatt is... so I value versatility.

I'm with you! I enjoy all types of music...as long as it's executed well. I believe the medium determines my taste more than the style of music. I've been listening to the "Pickin' On" Series which consists of contemporary acoustic artists interpreting old rock pieces...and, wow, that's amazing in itself.

3. I've got up to $1,000 to spend

This should easily get you into a professional, archtop mandolin...made by Rigel, Breedlove or Weber.

Given that, is the Breedlove Quartz OF a good choice? It's an archtop A
with F holes right?

Yes, this is correct...it's also finely crafted with choice woods. It's a matte finish which contributes to its aliveness. I personally own a Breedlove Alpine A-Style of which still amazes me every time I pick it up...I've had it now for 3 years or so...

From your very informative FAQs I gathered this combo
was the most versatile. Also, 1) Any other models + or - $200 from the
Quartz OF you would recommend I look into?

You might also look at the Rigel Natural...
However, it's a very unique A-style...with a unique Rigel tone...it has the hybrid tone-X Bracing...

And, there's the Weber Hyalite:
This one has mahogany back and sides which will contribute to a warmer tone...

and 2) I'm in Charlotte NC and
believe it or not I have found 0 good music stores for fine instruments.
Where can I play a Breedlove so I can hear it?

You might contact Breedlove themselves at:
Here's their website: http://www.breedloveguitars.com/

Hope this helps...Mickey

Thanks for your time Mickey.

Stephen, Charlotte, NC

Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 10:11:52 -0700

Greetings Steve,

Glad to assist if I can:

Bluegrass and Old Time guitarist seeks mandolin for hobby and spicing up home recordings. 3 days ago I knew squat about mandolins. After countless hours on the internet I now know next to nothing so I'm making progress. Here's what I'm after:

1) Type A or F with F holes

For recording and versatility in tonal range, I highly recommend the F soundhole...at a later date, and for specialized applications, you can always acquire an oval soundhole mando later as a second...if you're purchasing only one mando now, and you do not plan to pursue Celtic music solely, I'd recommend the F soundhole models...

You may choose between an A or an F model body style...both can offer great features and tonal range...depending on the model...

2) Widest nut possible on a standard mando - 1 3/16?

Breedlove Alpine Nut Width: 1 3/16" Breedlove Width from G string outside to E string outside on bridge: 1 9/16"

Gibson F-5L Fern Nut Width: 1 1/4" Gibson Width from G string outside to E string outside on bridge: 1 9/16"

Rigel A+ Deluxe Nut Width: 1 3/16" Rigel Bridge Width from G string outside to E string outside on bridge: 1 7/16" Weber

Absaroka Nut Width: 1 1/4" Weber Bridge Width from G string outside to E string outside on bridge: 1 7/16"

3) All solid wood, sitka x maple

You can opt for either mahogany or maple back and sides...most all standard mandos are made with the spruce top...the mahogany will give you more warmth; the maple more brightness and projection...

4) new or used

If possible, buy new...here's why:
1. You'll have a factory warranty...
2. You won't have to concern yourself about having a fret job done directly after the purchase...
3. Less worry about purchasing a mando with structural flaws...if you're not aware of what to look for, you may find problems with a used instrument even long after the initial purchase...so, if you do buy used, make sure it comes with a warranty...all used instruments sold through FOTW come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects...we also offer an optional extended warranty PRP that covers everything including damage by negligence...
4. And best of all, it will be solely up to you to take care of your instrument from day one...

5) price up to $1,500 tops

There are many choices available...for a 1/4", and staying under the 1500.00, you might consider the Weber Bitterroot or Absaroka...

6) could a bluegrass mando be custom ordered in this price range with an 1 1/4" nut as found on the Mid Mo "W" ?

At this price range, I'd have to recommend the following features:
A-Style Body (my main axe happens to be a Breedlove Alpine A-Style)
F Soundholes
Maple Back and Sides
Tone Bar Bracing (has set the standard for Bluegrass settings)
Archtop Body
As a second, with 1/4-inch...and to ensure you have a wide array of recording colors, I'd recommend the Mid-Mo...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 01:46:55 EDT

I am planning on purchasing a mandolin soon, but i have one little question I
noticed the mandolin tuning is G D A E. My question is this tuned the exact
same way as standard tuning on a guitar but upside down?

Greetings,

Yes, the notes are the same upside down starting with the Guitar's middle G string. However, the intervals are completely different. Yes, the G string on the guitar is the exact same interval as the mando's low G string. No, the D, A and E string intervals are all octaves apart from the higher pitches of the corresponding mandolin strings.

Therefore, you'll not want to think about any relationship between the guitar to a mandolin...both can be tuned to each other, yet neither can be associated on the basis that learning one pattern on the guitar can be completely transcribed to the mandolin (even upside down)...If you're a guitarist, there are many other advantages that make learning the mando an easy transition:

1. both follow the same right-hand patterns when using a flatpick...if you already flatpick a guitar, the same mechanics can be applied directly to the mandolin.
2. the chording and rhythmic techniques of both instruments are relative...comping chords on a guitar, in a closed position, would be the same process.
3. both instruments are fretted instruments...
4. the theory for both instruments are the exact same...

As a guitarist, you will discover that playing melodies on a mandolin, tuned to fifths, is logical...and, switching gears between the two is not a problem.

Let me know how elst I might be able to assist you, Mickey