Re: Mandolin to Mandola
I find a dola to be a nice compliment my mandolin family. Especially so when playing solo as the range accompanies some tunes better than mandolin and provides for a sometimes more comfortable vocal range.
There are three approaches for playing dola.
#1. Learn alto clef. (Not my approach) When playing with an orchestra our conductor transposed all pieces for the dola players that were unable to read C clef.
#2. Play the dola no differently than you play the mandolin. This creates problems when you are not the solo instrument. Doing this method when playing with others always leaves you 1/5 off key. i.e. Playing in G fingering you are actually in Key of C, or playing in Key of A you are actually in Key of D, e.t.c. Easy enough to transpose chords to be with other players when playing rhythm. Not so easy to transpose melody or to pick on a break in key. Least way not for me and thus the reason I generally play mandola in an orchestra setting when the music has been transposed or more often when I have the solo instrument.
#3. Have a much more developed ear than me.
Also I found that when playing rhythm with other players the dola can get lost (blended) in the crowd while the mandolin provides a distinct voice.
But, in spite of it's short falls resulting from my lack of skill, I find the dola to be a wonderful addition to my arsenal.
Last edited by Pittsburgh Bill; Jul-10-2020 at 4:09pm.
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