Learning DVD's/books/resources

[grantula63]

Hello Cafe!

This has probably been asked before, but I don't klnow where to look for answers but, I have been playing for about 5 years now and really have gotten nowhere with general improvement. I feel like part of this is that I have a mild case of Cerebral palsy that gets in the way of the loose and relaxed feeling that I hear described a lot as my muscles are constantly tensed slightly, but I'm not ready to give up because of that. I feel like there is something that I can be doing better, But I don't really know where to look. So I suppose as far as learning resources go, do you have any reccomendations or links to threads with reccomendations?

Thank you!

[Bill Findley]

what sort of music do you like to listen to and play?

[grantula63]

what sort of music do you like to listen to and play?

I really like learning fiddle tunes and have the aspirations of being a decent bluegrass/folk player. But have an interest in jazz as well. I suppose I am looking for some solid fundamentals.

[Ivan Kelsall]

You could do far worse than to buy the instruction DVD by Chris Thile - ''Essential Techniques for Mandolin''. It's mainly aimed at players who can already play to a reasonable standard - but - i bought it soon after i bought my very first mandolin. It has pointers for mandolin players at every level,& it's also inspiring to listen to CT play some of the tunes that established him as a stand out player,
Ivan

[Philsf51]

I would suggest you look at Jack Tuttle’s Mandolin Primer.

[Pete Martin]

For jazz try www.Jazz-mandolin.com