Mandocello Specific Techniques
Hello Friends.
So after going through the method, I thought now would be a good time to open up a discussion of mandocello specific techniques and how best to learn them. Here’s just a few of the things I’ve picked up as I’ve been going through methods:
1). Shifting. The Mandocello seems to work a lot like the regular cello in that its much easier and in some ways cleaner to move up and down on a string rather than over.
2). Glissando. In with the shifting, especially in the legato tremolo, some shifting just sounds better with the glissando down the string rather than an abrupt shift.
3). Low String/Range technique. Specifically how to keep the first few frets on the C course in check and also how best to place your left hand to cover both strings. I have large narrow hands, and find it hard at times to use a more vertical approach to the string like in the higher courses, resorting to more of a flattening of the finger to get a good sound from the lower notes.
4). Transcribing thumb position to the mandocello. This is specifically for solo mandocello playing, but I think that there is a technique to placing the fingers in the upper register down to best get a clean sound and ease of play while also remaining loose and able to play with some speed.
There are also a lot that are shared with the other instruments, arpeggios, proper pick technique, etc. but I would love to hear from all of you on what you feel would be helpful in terms of exercises specifically for the larger instruments. (Fair warning, this will probably end up as some exercises for the new intermediate/advanced mandocello book coming out next year).
Thanks everyone!!
Benjamin
(I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia
Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
Weber Gallatin Mandocello
Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
Breedlove Prototype Mandolin
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