Learning mandolin

[ton]

This is my first post in the forum, so first of all, hi everybody! I've been for some years interested in composing music. I play the piano, the guitar and the ukulele. Now I've found an old mandolin in my grandpa's house. I want to learn to play It without going to classes (I've found is better to learn by yourself when you have musical experience), so, what book/dvd methods would you reccomend me to follow for learning the techniques? Are there any good sources on the internet for free? Thanks a lot and Happy 2017.

[jshane]

You are going to get a lot of replies, I think. Given that you already play music on other instruments, I'd suggest focusing on the mandolin-specifics---- like holding and fretting (left hand technique) and picking (right-hand technique)---assuming you are right handed. There are a LOT of resources out there.

"Mandolin for Dummies" is a great first-step---but maybe you already know much of the material....

[Mark Gunter]

A lot of great resources these days, I discuss several free resources here: http://www.markgunter.net/cool_stuff...olin-beginners

[Cosmic Graffiti]

I played for a few months prior to committing to lessons and in hind sight wish I would have started with them right away. I too have a musical back ground. The things that helped me were very mandolin specific and 7 months into lessons my teacher is still making micro adjustments to my fretting hand, how I hold the instrument, pick hand angle etc...

[bigskygirl]

Welcome, although you play music you don't have any experience playing the mandolin. Find yourself a good teacher from the start you'll be much happier in the long run. Have fun!

[Phil Goodson]

Mark Gunter's webpage cited above has much wisdom, especially about how the mandolin is not like a small guitar.

[Pete Martin]

Basic ergonomics videos here will help you get started:

http://www.petimarpress.com/mandolin...%20videos.html

[crisscross]

Are you also interested in clasical mandolin?
Then astute music has some interestinng e-books, especially the easier ones by Hugh Boyde and Alison Stephens.
They aren't free, but not expensive and worth the price.
https://www.astute-music.com/store/c...olin_solo.html
When it comes to classical mandolin, me too, I consider myself rather a newbee, so I started with Hugh Boydes "Signposts".

[mikeonthemandolin]

Ton, welcome to the mandolin. Give me a channel a watch. It's all completely free. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOM...o7YzOgAYUyt4lw

Cheers,
M

[gtani7]

Books: I love the books by Julin and Greg Horne, but others have made many recommendations for jazz, BG, classical, other genres:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...sources-Advice

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...n-Method-Books

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...g-for-THE-book

Instructional DVD's (I found these in my local public library): Chris Thile, Sam Bush (at least 3 DVD's), Ronnie McCoury, the Mandolin of Bill Monroe vol 1.

Youtube: search for any fiddle tune, Old Joe, Cripple Creek, Whiskey before breakfast, Red Haired Boy and you should find at least 3 good tutorials. Banjo Ben, mandolessons, Pete Martin are all good channels.