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Thread: Beginner Classical

  1. #1

    Default Beginner Classical

    I'm about a month into my mandolin playing and things are going really well! I come from a background of cello, bass and some guitar playing so the tiny-ness of the mandolin took some getting used to, but it actually feels more natural than when I was learning any other instrument.

    I have an instructor that I see every other week which has been super helpful. He's given me a bit of basic bluegrass and Irish stuff to work on, but I want to become proficient at classical as well. I absolutely LOVE Chris Thile's album of his renditions of Bach Sonatas and Partitas, and while I'm obviously not there yet I'd like to be able to practice some classical in these early stages of learning the instrument.

    Anyone have recommendations for specific pieces to play? Something that would have readily available sheet music would be preferred. Thanks for any input!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Try this thread ; http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...usic-Song-Book

    If you want a classical method then I and a few others are working through Silvio Ranieri's one, or Marilyn Mair's more up to date book.
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  4. #3

    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    I'm one of the few others, derbex mentioned, and I really recommend the Ranieri method.
    The first volume is entirely in the first position and you really work on your tremolo.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGklSZHB600

    In addition to the 18th century book I recommended from Astute Music's catalogue in the other thread, they have a number of beginner/lower intermediate books, for instance Hugh Boyd's Signposts https://www.astute-music.com/store/p...ugh_Boyde.html

    or Alison Stephen's 6 Episodes https://www.astute-music.com/store/p..._Stephens.html

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    Registered User fumblefour's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    As a beginner, I am doing the Artistworks Classical mandolin course with Caterina Lichtenberg, which is great. But I am also having a lot of fun with Allan Alexander's books of Renaissance and Medieval music arranged for mandolin. I guess a lot of people here might regard them as too simple/easy, especially if like you they already play other instruments; but many of the pieces are really quite delightful, and it's good practice for sight reading.

    http://www.guitarandlute.com/renaissance_mandolin.html
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    This is really good. Really great as in introduction and nickel tour of the territory, as well as stuff to work on.

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/s...ring+classical
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  8. #6
    Registered User esintong's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Quote Originally Posted by crisscross View Post
    I'm one of the few others, derbex mentioned, and I really recommend the Ranieri method.
    The first volume is entirely in the first position and you really work on your tremolo.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGklSZHB600

    In addition to the 18th century book I recommended from Astute Music's catalogue in the other thread, they have a number of beginner/lower intermediate books, for instance Hugh Boyd's Signposts https://www.astute-music.com/store/p...olo%29_by_Hughcascodes/_Boyde.html

    or Alison Stephen's 6 Episodes https://www.astute-music.com/store/p..._Stephens.html
    I have an old Gibson F-Mando, but I very rarely play it. I really should take it for a spin more often, though

    Unfortunately, thatīs all I can add, other than my (probably well known) standpoint on imports in general which you didnīt ask for

    BTW, how was the MusikMesse. I didnīt make it this time out, but next year we gonna have a beer or 2. I mean, whereīs the harm in negotiations with a guitar manufacturer

  9. #7
    Registered User wildpikr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Quote Originally Posted by FlimFlam View Post
    I'm about a month into my mandolin playing and things are going really well! I come from a background of cello, bass and some guitar playing so the tiny-ness of the mandolin took some getting used to, but it actually feels more natural than when I was learning any other instrument.

    I have an instructor that I see every other week which has been super helpful. He's given me a bit of basic bluegrass and Irish stuff to work on, but I want to become proficient at classical as well. I absolutely LOVE Chris Thile's album of his renditions of Bach Sonatas and Partitas, and while I'm obviously not there yet I'd like to be able to practice some classical in these early stages of learning the instrument.

    Anyone have recommendations for specific pieces to play? Something that would have readily available sheet music would be preferred. Thanks for any input!
    Here's something to try:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/news/pu...s_001743.shtml

    Hope this helps.

    Oops...didn't notice the thread date before my reply...mea culpa.
    Last edited by wildpikr; Jun-07-2018 at 8:19am.
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  10. #8
    Registered User Michael Neverisky's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Bouree 1 from Cello Suite 3 by J. S. Bach is accessible and often played on the mandolin.

  11. #9
    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    The Mel Bay website has a number of books of classical mandolin pieces. John Goodin has published one of pieces by Telemann. The difficulty varies, so it is a book you could learn from for a long time.

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    Professional Cat Herder Phil Vinyard's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    I'll vouch for John Goodin's stuff. Spent a delightful evening tonight on the screened in porch playing his Playford for Mandolin book on my octave.
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    Registered User Carl23's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Reviving this thread with an additional question:

    After working through various method books, what are some good "starter pieces" for beginners.

    C
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    and toys... lots and lots of toys.

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  15. #12

    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Kewl, just switched over myself from playing classical guitar and upright bass. I am enjoying working myself through the learning the instrument. I am farely quick study, I have the Cristofraro Method book that I plowing myself through. I eventually want to merge my classical playing with playing jazz as well. So the adventure is fun big time

  16. #13
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    August Watters has an excellent Classical Mandolin book with some historical background along with technical advice and exercises. there is an accompanying video you can access with the book's code.

  17. #14
    Registered User Carl23's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolinruletheearth View Post
    I eventually want to merge my classical playing with playing jazz as well. So the adventure is fun big time
    Same.

    "The Loar" LM-520
    Ludwig & Ludwig 8-370X Marimba
    Slingerland Modified Drumset
    Hand made profesional djembes from Guinea and Maili West Africa
    and toys... lots and lots of toys.

    Hey... I have a blog here!
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/blogs/53556
    Feel free to stop on by and let me know what you think!

  18. #15
    Registered User Kevin Stueve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Beginner Classical

    Quote Originally Posted by Carl23 View Post
    Reviving this thread with an additional question:

    After working through various method books, what are some good "starter pieces" for beginners.

    C
    Bach Cello Suites.
    2012 Weber Bitterroot F5.

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