Open Strings ?

[k0k0peli]

I play with myself a lot. No, not THAT way. Not in public, anyhow. But I'm one of them singer-songwriter-folksy types you've seen playing on streetcorners or annoying the relatives at family gatherings. I'm mostly unaccompanied. On mando, I necessarily depend on open stings for drones, ringing, resonance, filling-out the chords, etc. Double-stops and drones are my standard.

[Bertram Henze]

not THAT way.

There goes my explanation for the uncomfortable playing posture of your avatar...

[Martin Jonas]

When I play classical, I've been told open strings are a no-no because the music is usually played without the ringing string under or over the other notes.

I'm not so sure that's generally true even for classical mandolin players. It certainly is the common rule for classical violin players, not only because of the difference in tone but also because you can't play vibrato on an open string. Mandolin teachers and soloists with a strong violin background are unlikely to play open strings except when they are aiming for a particular effect. However, my impression is that both historically and in contemporary classical practice, there is much more acceptance of open strings on mandolin than on violin. But preferences do certainly vary.

I personally play with a lot of open strings even on classical or baroque pieces, but will go to closed positions when the open string tone clashes in the context, e.g. because of a different tone quality or because it rings out longer than the note value.

Martin

[fatt-dad]

it's all in the right hand, so it doesn't really matter. . .

f-d

[JeffD]

Oh I see what you mean. Yes I agree, forcing yourself to play everything without open strings, as an exercise, makes you a better a better player. Yes absolutely.