The mandolin is a string instrument with a body shaped like a teardrop. Common versions of this instrument have eight strings, but there are some with four, 12 and even 16 strings. Although it can be used as a focal instrument, the mandolin is often used to support an ensemble. This is because of its inability to give a loud, lasting tone. This instrument is often compared to the guitar, but each is played differently. Those familiar with the guitar often have to consciously forget the techniques they have learned while learning to play the mandolin. Once the student learns hold and strum or pluck this instrument, learning to play it can be an enjoyable experience.
Instructions
Learn the Parts of the Mandolin
1. Find the peghead. This is at the top of the neck of the mandolin and it holds the pegs. The pegs are used to tune the strings.
2. Locate the fingerboard. The fingerboard is the part of the neck that holds the frets, the thin metal bars.
3. Learn about the strings. There are four sets of two strings, and each pair is actually referred to as a string. Each string plays one note. The mandolin plays the notes G, D, A and E.
4. Identify each string. Place your mandolin on your lap with the neck pointing to your left. The first pair of strings from your knee are the E strings, the next pair are the A strings, the following pair are the D strings and the last pair are the G strings.
Select a Tuning Method
5. Use a violin pitch pipe. The mandolin strings use the same notes as a violin's strings. Adjust the four mandolin strings to match the four notes of the pitch pipe.
6. Tune to the mandolin. Tune both the G strings so they sound the same, then hold them down at the space between the sixth and seventh metal bars and pluck them. Tune both D strings to the note you just heard. When you have tuned the D strings, hold them down at the seventh bar and pluck. Tune the A strings until they sound like this note. Repeat these steps for the E strings.
7. Tune to a guitar. Tune your strings to the tones of the E, A, D and G chords of a tuned guitar. You may need a friend to play these chords for you while you tune your mandolin.
Play the Mandolin
8. Put the strap around your neck. The mandolin should rest against your body, with the neck pointing to your left.
9. Hold the neck of the instrument with your left hand and place your right hand on the bridge. Your wrist should be loose to allow ease of movement from string to string.
10. Hold the pick. Extend your right hand, as if for a handshake. Curve your four fingers in, toward your thumb and put your thumb down on your index finger. Using your left hand, slide the pick between your thumb and index finger. It should rest on the first joint of your index finger. The tip of the pick should point to the left.
11. Play the D chord. Press the E string down at the second fret with the middle finger and, at the same time, press the G string down at the second fret with your index finger. Strum the four strings with your pick.
12. Play the A chord. Press your index finger on the D string at the second fret. Strum the E, D and A strings.
13. Play the G chord. Press the A string down at the second fret with your index finger and press the E string down at the third fret with your middle finger. Strum the four strings with your pick.
14. Practice these basic chords. When you can play them without difficulty, you will be ready to try playing songs.
15. Take lessons at home. You can learn to play the mandolin by watching instructional DVDs, such as "Watch and Learn Introduction to Mandolin Tutorial and Introduction" by Watch and Learn and "Essential Techniques for Mandolin" by Happy Traum and Chris Thile (see Resources below).
