Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes
I first entered the "world of mandolin" when my good friend that played banjo was part of a group formed to play for weekly contra dances. He asked me to join and help provide rhythm for the dancers as the "band" was quite small. At that point in time I'd only played a bit of guitar and had barely learned a few two finger chords on the mandolin. I was very intimidated the first time I showed up with my mandolin at one of their tune learning sessions, but was welcomed and given a lot of encouragement. I was told "playing the wrong chord will happen, just be sure to play it on time". Based on my experience of being involved with this accepting and encouraging group, I was hooked on the mandolin and quickly developed better timing and was able to slowly progress to playing many different chord fingerings and eventually playing melodies. Personally, I think starting by playing chords and working on timing and chord progressions was very helpful for eventually playing melodies. If the jam session is accepting, I strongly urge you to join them and work hard to get some chord fingerings and rhythm experiences in your "tool kit". Do a lot of playing along with recordings on your own which will help you make progress in making quick chord changes. One more point - get the best mandolin you can possible afford - that way when you do something correct - it will sound correct! Good luck - jump in and enjoy!
1992 Flatiron F5 Master model
2009 Weber A model Fern
2011 Collings MT mandola
1985 Flatiron 2M
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