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Subject: RE: Fwd: RE: Fwd: question about mics
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 13:37:40 -0500

Hello Mickey -

I have a question for you about mandolin technique. I am coming along very well with my right hand, but my left hand is having some trouble. The problem is that I feel like I have too much tension in my left hand. It gets to the point that my thumb will cramp up. I am really not sure what the correct posture is since I have observed every possible posture in others' playing. any help on this would be helpful. Thank you, Shane

Greetings Shane,

There is a correct posture in playing mandolin...and, yes, if not correctly done, you'll find your hands cramping and your playing impeded...

My first suggestion is to find a qualified mandolin teacher that understands the importance of correct posture...

From my standpoint, my biggest concern with teaching a student mandolinist is:
make sure that your thumb is located behind the neck...not riding on the top of the neck. When the thumb is riding on top of the neck, you'll have to force your hand to do unruly stretches which may not only impede your playing but tire your hand rapidly...maybe even cause the cramps you describe...

Be sure to read through our mandolin lessons section linked below:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

I hope to add photos for correct posture for mandolin playing...so please stay tuned...Mickey

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Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 18:25:26 EST
Subject: Thanks a bunch...and a question

Happy Holidays,

And Thank You. I ordered a Gold Tone mandolin from you guys and it is
WONDERFUL. I am always concerned about ordering musical gear online and
buying an acoustic instrument did make me especially nervous, but your staff
made me feel comfortable with my decision and offered sound advice. The
guarantee didn't hurt either. They actually seem to care about my interest in
the mandolin (unlike the big chains)! I will certainly recommend you to
friends and band mates.

And now a question. I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and
decided to give mandolin a spin. I had been constantly experimenting with
capos when the sun shone in my eyes and it was in the shape of a mandolin:-)
I majored in music and my instrument was classical guitar. So it has been
ingrained on me to hold the instrument correctly. What is the "correct" way
to hold/wear a mandolin? thanks again folks...
PeacE
brian claffey

Thanks Brian...we appreciate your positive update on your Gold Tone.

It's most difficult to discuss the proper position for mandolin playing by e-mail. It would take a well-illustrated book, or a video, to demonstrate proper positioning. (nothing can really take the place of a qualified instructor)

Our "Intro to Mando" video talks about proper right and left hand positioning...

1. Make sure that your right forearm does not rest too low on the mandolin...it should be resting on the top end so that the forearm and wrist ride well above the bridge.

2. Make sure that you do not allow your left-hand thumb to rest over the neck...try to ride the thumb mostly behind the neck...as you do in proper classical guitar technique...

3. Try using a footrest, when sitting and playing, to assist you in propping the mandolin neck up at a comfortable angle...

4. Make sure that the mandolin's body is sitting straight up and not flat in the lap...or the lower bout sliding forward...

5. Try to keep a loose wrist when flatpicking for a more relaxed approach...using a stiff arm while flatpicking seems to feel somewhat tense...

Hope something here helps you out...Mickey

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