You can learn a lot by watching others

[Mr. Loar]

Probably obvious to most, but I noticed when the pros take breaks they pull the mandolin away from their bodies thus bettering the tone. I tried it and it worked! Your body actually deadens the back of the mandolin.

[Eric F.]

It can be an eye-opener, can't it? Hence the popularity of the Tone-Gard.

[MikeEdgerton]

As Eric has pointed out, that is the theory behind using a Tone-Gard. The back is allowed to vibrate freely. Some folks can play holding the back off their body. I can't.

I know you don't like going through old threads but take a few minutes to look through at least some of these (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=Search&CODE=02&SID=4804d68b537802ad).

[Chip Booth]

I've learned more from most teaching DVDs I have watched by simply watching the player play. The type of grip they use, how they hold the mandolin, picking motion, etc., has meant more to me than the actual material they were teaching.

Oh yeah, and tone guards are good. I have a brand new varnished mandolin and I don't want to take the risk of using my guard and messing up the finish until it has fully cured, so I am actively learning to hold the mandolin comfortably away from my body. Easier said then done. Can't wait till I can use my guard in a few months.

Chip

[Mr. Loar]

You can also pick out some bad traits and techniques by watching people. Most pickers are open to me saying, *if you play it this way it might be easier for you* I like to have my fingers relatively perpendicular to the fingerboard. I see a lot of pickers flat finger a lot of chords and notes.