The nice thing about the mando is.......

[madog99]

the nice thing about the mando , if there is no other mando players around people think you are great ! I remember anytime I saw a band with a mando I said wow , ever nice . Of course they always played "copperhead road" (I don't hang in the bluegrass circles) So I've had a mano for about 1 1/2 years and have learned the chords and can strum pretty good , ZERO lead's , but got my big stage debut with a band last weekend and they thought it was really good, I didn't tell them that I can't really play it . But none of them have ever picked up a mando so it was a big deal , of course this was in a little backwater bar with a sparse crowd but it was very cool (for me) nonthelesss. My thanks to this web site for that 2 finger chord chart.Was a bit of a stretch trying sing and play at the same time though. So anybody else who is muscically challenged , don't give up , just go to the middle of nowhere and ask first if anyone plays the mando.Just wanted to share this with the any other hacks out there. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[mandodebbie]

Hmmm... so you strummed and sang with a group of musicians who were not familiar with the mando and they all thought you sounded good. Well, I guess there's hope for me. I can play notes as well as strum chords.( Yeah, man, I too love those two/three finger chords!) I've only been playing mando for 7 months, so I haven't yet learned how to play notes and chords at the same time. (I'm not certain what the term is for that playing skill. The technique is a bit too advanced for me.) However, I still haven't had the oportunity to jam with a band. My day will come.. I hope.:p

[dtb]

shoot.........I did this for 15 years. and got paid sometimes. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[madog99]

shoot.........I did this for 15 years. and got paid sometimes. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Yeah these guys get paid diddly , 3 guys , Fri+sat night ,and they split $200 for the weekend! But they live close by and like to play so I guess they arn't in it for the money , that wouldn't pay for PA rental ! But they are always open to ANYONE getting up with them, nice of them.Will have to make another trip up there once I learn Love Potion #9

[mandolooter]

Thats great maddog, fun is when,what, and where ya make it! Keep on and maybe some day i'll be there in the front row smiling and tappin my foot!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[madog99]

Thats great maddog, fun is when,what, and where ya make it! #Keep on and maybe some day i'll be there in the front row smiling and tappin my foot!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Just don't ask for your money back ok ? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
It's bit like the freak show at the carnival , once you paid your money it's too late , it's not really a half man half dog , it's a guy in a furry suit. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[mandolooter]

What...no money back! I've paid big bucks to see headliners and I've been sadly disapointed at times. It's the risk ya take with live shows but all in all I've gotten more than my money's worth so far in life!

[acousticphd]

Hi all,

I think one of the nice, overlooked things about the mandolin is what a player can add by doing only a little, or less, rather than more. This can be out of inexperience, OR experience. It is always (to me) very impressive to see an advanced player or pro using more touch and taste, as opposed to speedy licks. Though the mando has a certain role they're expected to serve in a bluegrass group, in other styles, and as a supporting intrument, there are a lot of cool, very simple things that you can do with one or two strings and 2-finger chords, tremelo, sliding between two two-finger positions, etc. Especially in softer, less hard-driving styles, this is something the mando can do in a unique-sounding way that adds a lot.

[Darren Kern]

madog99, congrats. #I personally feel that if someone can play chords or simple stuff somewhat cleanly, more power to 'em. #Just because you get on stage doesn't mean you claim to be an expert with that instrument, but you're still making music regardless of what level it is. #We just have the good fortune of playing an instrument that sounds *great* with even the most simple playing. #Can't say that about guitar or any other instrument I know of. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[pathfinder]

I remember seeing a great PBS tribute to the Carter Family around 1979-80 (with Emmy Lou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and a young Ricky Skagss on backup mandolin before he hit it big).

I'd never heard the old Carter songs done with all these great little mando chops and fills in the background! #It's higher pitch meshed brilliantly with the guitar and provided a great substitute for the Carters' autoharp. #Especially on "The Gold Watch and Chain". #

Wisht now that I'd videotaped that show http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif