Playing a C/F on Mandolin

[mandoBenn]

Hey Guys,

What would you suggest the best way to play a C/F on Mandolin?

[Charlieshafer]

Easy cheater way? I'll offer that up, but it's not the true "bluegrass" way of doing it. A "C" chord in first position is simply the 2nd fret on the D string, and the third fret on the A string. You can bar down and hit the 3rd fret on the E string as well. The cheater F chord is to simply move this same fingering up the the G and D strings, so 2nd fret on G string, third fret on D string, again barring down on the third fret if you like the voicing. It's more of an "old-timey" thing as you have an open string on the C (the G string) and it's not a high, bright chord like something up in the 5th position, but for just strumming along and getting going, it's a quick and easy start.

[Capt. E]

Here's one very easy C/F pair based on the A chord pattern:

C: bar 5th fret of G and D strings with index finger, fret 7th fret of A string with ring finger, fret 8th fret of E string with pinky.

F: Keep your index finger where it is and move your ring finger and pinky to D string and A string respectively while barring the 8th fret of both the A and E string with your pinky (though technically you should simply mute the E string)

Here's a neat chord finder from right here on the Cafe:
http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/chords/ch.pl

Change back and forth by simply moving your ring finger and pinky.

[Bruce Clausen]

You're asking about a single chord called C/F, right? It means a C chord with the note F in the bass; that is, you play a C chord, and someone else (on guitar or bass) gets the low F.

[Ed Goist]

CEG & F with F in the bass, right? How about 10-10-10-0 or 10-10-10-12?

[mandoBenn]

Thanks very much everyone!