I need pointed in the right direction

**Catfish Joe** · Jun-26-2012, 12:20pm

Hello everyone,
I recently made my first purchase, as recommended by the Mandolin Cafe Community, of my first mandolin; a Kentucky KM630. I have played guitar for years but I needed something new.

Now I need to learn to play it! I have figured out a few tunes by ear and messed around with my own stuff, but I was wondering if there at any excellent books out there or websites to help me. I've tried YouTube but I don't have a laptop and I'm on the road a lot for my job and using my iPod is too difficult. And I also have my first child on the way so paying for lessons won't be a possibility.

Suggestions will be appreciated, thanks everyone!

-Joe

**meveral3** · Jun-26-2012, 12:34pm

My favorite book is Jethro Burns book published by Mel Bay . Spend the extra cash and order the one with the cds . Also congratulations .

**Capt. E** · Jun-26-2012, 12:45pm

Originally Posted by meveral3

My favorite book is Jethro Burns book published by Mel Bay . Spend the extra cash and order the one with the cds . Also congratulations .

You absolutely need the cd's with that book. Others are much better for beginning. The Greg Horne "Beginning Mandolin" book is great, as is the "Fretboard Roadmaps for mandolin". The new books and cd's by Sam Bush featured on the front page may be a good choice as well. Have fun learning.

**OldSausage** · Jun-26-2012, 1:15pm

I would recommend the Academy of Bluegrass School of Mandolin website with Mike Marshall. He won't steer you wrong.

**mandroid** · Jun-26-2012, 1:27pm

& drop in to Jams.. the playing with others, by ear, is gained by doing it.

**onassis** · Jun-26-2012, 5:09pm

What style of music do you want to play?

**Alex Orr** · Jun-26-2012, 5:43pm

Mike Marshall's first Fundamentals DVd and Greg Horne's beginning mando book. Get 'em both. They actually compliment each other very well.

**CelticDude** · Jun-26-2012, 5:47pm

I can second the Greg Horne recommendation, followed by his next book and the advanced in the series (by a different author.)

**Jimdalf** · Jun-26-2012, 6:07pm

+1 to the awesomeness of the Jethro burns book, but what do you like?

**Catfish Joe** · Jun-26-2012, 9:05pm

Thanks everyone!

Well I got into Old & In the Way, which started my addiction. I'm into Bill Monroe, David Grisman, the Seldom Scene, Muleskinner, I listen to the bluegrass preservation society podcasts and love all the old-time bluegrass.

Hopefully this weekend I will be attending the O.A.T.S. Bluegrass Festival; so long as work doesn't interfere. I would imagine that would be a good learning experience. Anyone going?

-Joe

**Marty Henrickson** · Jun-26-2012, 9:55pm

I recommend Getting Into Bluegrass Mandolin, by Bruce Dix. You should be able to easily find it on amazon.com. He starts with some basic 2-finger chords, and quickly moves into playing melodies. Bruce will introduce you to many bluegrass "standards", and they are all played at two speeds on the included CD.

There are also many free resources here and on the web. For example, look up Cafe member Don Julin's youtube channel. He is not strictly bluegrass, by any means, but he is a great teacher.

Also, keep listening to good music, and follow your ears and others' recommendations to find more.

Have fun, and beware the MAS!