Re: How to approach practicing and improvement?
Highest priority for me would be to learn how to play the simple melody of any vocal tunes you like. This builds your intuition. Like being able to “sing” with the mandolin. Also, focus on concepts that are of interest to you, that you like to hear others play. Double stop, cross picking, blues / Monroe style, etc. Then work on tunes that have those concepts as part of that tune. For me, once I started doing this, things absolutely exploded. I invested the time and cash in finding the right mentor, which for me was Emory Lester. The above outlines much of his philosophy, and WOW is it working. He’s a great mentor, coach, all of it.
Gilchrist F5 Mandolin #273, 1993, built for Tom Rozum
Apitius Vanguard F5 Custom Mandolin 2019
White Mandola (custom build, expected April, 2023)
Sumi Sullivan F-5 Mandolin 2003
Weber Diamondback Octave F-Style Mandolin 2014
Flatiron Cadet “Army-Navy” Flat Top Mandolin 1987
Martin HD-28V Guitar 2004
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