Beginner's instruction book

[MANDOBANJER]

Hi All, What do you guys think is the best instruction book for a beginning player? Yhanks, Jim

[Tobin]

I'd have to say Mandolin for Dummies by Don Julin (who is a member here).

[JeffD]

I'd have to say Mandolin for Dummies by Don Julin (who is a member here).

I have to agree. It is the best place to start. Many other instruction books to build specific skills are out there, when you have a chosen path in mind. Don's book is a great front door.

I really like Marilynn Mair's "The Complete Mandolinist" and recommend it highly. It will contribute to your ability regardless of the style and genre you pursue.

Until Don's book came along, Marilynn's was my favorite to recommend, but between the two, I think Don's book has the edge, for a beginner. Getting both would be even better.

[bohemianbiker]

I'm not familiar with Mandolin for Dummies, but my instructor started me on Marilynn's book, and I think it's terrific. bb

[Tezzerh]

I'd have to say Mandolin for Dummies by Don Julin (who is a member here).

Absolutely.

[mtm]

I'm quite happy with Greg Horne's Complete Mandolin ... it has beginner, intermediate and advanced sections and comes with a CD of exercises.

[bingoccc]

Another vote for Mandolin for Dummies.

[ccravens]

Another vote for Mandolin for Dummies.

I'll join the chorus.

[Northwest Steve]

No a book but you might try mangles sons.com, great resource.

[DavidKOS]

I'm not familiar with Mandolin for Dummies, but my instructor started me on Marilynn's book, and I think it's terrific. bb

Depends...for Classical, MM's book is great, but I'd suggest the other book for all-around mandolin playing since it sort of covers a bit of everything.

Personally I began with those old out-of-print books like Bickford and such, but that was in the early 70's. I found them at thrift shops.

[Stacey Morris]

I really like Marilynn Mair's "The Complete Mandolinist" and recommend it highly. It will contribute to your ability regardless of the style and genre you pursue.

I agree with Jeff. Marilynn's book is great. For someone who does not have a musical background, it starts at the beginning. I have several books, but Marilynn's is my favorite and I use it the most.

[geoffreymbrown]

I like Marilynn Mair's book and it's great for learning how to use your pinkie along with reading music (and a lot more) but I doubt it's really a good book for a complete beginner. Greg Horne's first book is great for a total novice -- I worked my way through it and learned a lot -- but I wasn't taken by his intermediate book. Don Julin's book is a great way to learn about a variety of styles and ideas. I didn't start with it, so I can't judge how it would be for a complete beginner, but I have learned a bunch from sampling various chapters.

[Harold The Barrel]

I'm quite happy with Greg Horne's Complete Mandolin ... it has beginner, intermediate and advanced sections and comes with a CD of exercises.

Second this. I'm currently halfway through the intermediate book, and I really think that I've gotten a well-rounded introduction to styles, technique and genres. And since I got it through my local library it's costing me nothing!