Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:26:07 -0700
Subject: Re: It's me again

Mickey: I've been loving the new mandolin and it's really made a difference. As has your dvd "Introduction to the Mandolin". I'm struggling with the F chord and want to amputate my little finger, but other than that, things are going well.

Hi Maureen, Thanks for the positive update.

I have two questions. I'm not sure what position my right hand should be in. I've read conflicting advice on having the soft part of the hand brush against the bridge - or - resting the right hand little finger on the mandolin for support with the other fingers curled under.

Yes, and conflicting they are ... I really wouldn't recommend either one. It's OK to rest the little finger on the pickguard if you're so inclined and it really does give you an anchor for better right-hand positioning (by anchoring the soft part of the hand on the bridge, you'll be limiting your right-hand movement and facility). The best right-hand position would be to keep it free and floating above the strings. Hold the pick with the thumb on top and the index finger below curled up. Try your best to not over tighten your grip for the pick needs some slight movement and a tense hand is counterproductive to playing in a natural relaxed manner.

The other question is that because this is an F model mandolin and the one you use on the dvd is an A model, I'm a little unsure if I'm holding it correctly. I've got the little "curl" resting against my leg (inner thigh), but I'm wondering about the overall angle. I'm not sure this question makes sense, but I hope you know what I mean.

Sure, I understand. And, really, it's best to be using your strap for most of the support. Although, it does sound like you have a good sitting position ... as long as it's comfortable and does not impede your playing, you should be fine.

I hope things are well in New Mexico and that your business is thriving.

Yes. All is well and Mystic West is really growing fast. I have another career so it's becoming somewhat difficult to juggle the two. I really would prefer to keep Mystic West/Folk of the Wood as an avocation ... I just couldn't ever manage Folk of the Wood when it was in full force. Waaaay too complicated!

If you ever find yourself in San Francisco, it would be great to meet you. Also, if you know of any mandolin teachers in this area, please let me know. The dvd is great, but I have the occasional question.

Thanks so much ... it would be great to visit the town where so many of my favorite bands originated. Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna being two of my very favorites. I'm not too sure about a mandolin teacher in your vicinity; however, I have advertised with the California Bluegrass Association. I suspect they would know of some teachers in your vicinity. Try contacting: California Bluegrass Association <edalston@aol.com>

Here's their web site: http://www.cbaontheweb.org/index.asp

And, feel free to e-mail me questions anytime. Mickey

Thanks. -Maureen

Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.folkofthewood.com

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

http://www.wisdomofthewood.com

http://www.ragtimeguitar.com

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Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 20:30:23 EDT
Subject: Mandolin Technique...

Hi, I play a Epiphone MM-50 F style (24 frets) and I seemed to have developed this habit of picking up on the fretboard. This seemed to give the mandolin a much softer tone and it gave me greater dexterity, but I noticed after some time I was striking the fretboard with my pick, which created a clicking sound. I searched for an alternative. I started playing down closer towards the bridge which eliminated the clicking sound, but sacrificed the soft, crisp sound, and my dexterity. So I reverted back to playing on the fretboard... Is this clicking sound normal? Are there certain ways to avoid it?

Greetings,

Yes, I also play upwards towards the fingerboard whenever I'm looking for a softer sound...

Yes, it's quite common for mandolinists to hit the extended fingerboard of an f-style mandolin....this is one of the drawbacks of the extended fingerboard...it would be impossible to avoid this transient sound when using a flatpick over the extended fingerboard...sometimes, it can even add to the song...most of the time, it sounds somewhat intrusive. You can back off so that the pick isn't choking the string, unfortunately, this also tones down the volume and punch of the pick stroke.

If you like playing closer to the fingerboard, you might try the following alternatives:

1. try a smaller size pick
2. try raising your adjustable bridge slightly...the drawback: it will raise the action...
3. consider another mandolin...such as an A-style...which usually comes without the extended fingerboard...
4. or an f-style with a scalloped fingerboard...a scalloped fingerboard is essentially a carved out extended fingerboard...this allows for lots of picking depth without any clicking sounds...

Hope something here helps, Mickey