Beginner Chop Question

[matheao]

I know this will seem like a stupid question, but I just started playing the mandolin about two weeks ago, so bear with me. I undertand the basic concept of the "Chop", and certainly have heard it in the music....but have a few questions on how it really works. I understand the concept of lifting to mute the strings, but if the chord isn't fingering on all the strings, obviously there are going to be some strings that still ring out. Are there special chords used for chopping that cover all the strings? Does anyone have a good link to where you can learn them? Or do you mute the other strings in a different way? Any thoughts or help is greatly appreciated.

[fatt-dad]

Learn the four string version of the G and the D chop chords. They can be found from the home page of the mandolin cafe, just click on the link to mandolin chords.

How are the callouses?

f-d

[Eric F.]

Matheao, if you are playing a chop chord, you do not play any open strings. You can play a three-finger D for example, but would not strike the open E string. That make sense? Further, quite a few people really only hit the G and D strings even though they finger the entire chord.

[mpeknox]

There are different ways to do it but I frequently chop with only the 3 finger version of the chord (C and D for instance) and usually my pinky just kinda rests on the E string to keep it from making a sound. Just keep practicing and you'll get it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[matheao]

Makes sense. That is kind of what I figured. Callouses are coming along nicely!

Thanks for the help!

[RobP]

If you have a cassette recorder you should make a tape of yourself now, and then put it away and listen to it again in 6 months. You'll be amazed http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Welcome to the Journey!

Rob

[WillPick4Beer]

i think there is a lesson on here to on how to get the proprer sound. i rest my fingers on the chord, and only depressthem when my pick hits the strings, and let them rest imediately after, to get a percussive sound. i also think its importan to get used to making your D with 4 fingers. i find it important to make that a habit so i can bounce the bass note or fly off into ssome soloing with out skipping a beat to rearrange my fingers. shortcuts will get you from a to b quicker, but what about c d e f and g?