How to play a mandolin

Music is a cure for sorrow to most people. Musical instruments play an important role in this because it creates soothing melodies and in the creativity of music. Stringed musical instruments like the Mandolin are a great source for creating soothing melody and rhythm.

This instrument evolved in the 16th century from one that was called the Mandora. Modern Mandolin was influenced by Pasquale Vinaccia in the 18th century in Italy and Germany.

However, for the passion for music, people learn Mandolin and their first question is how long does it take to learn mandolin?

Actually, it takes approximately 90 days to learn Mandolin for a beginner if he is passionate about it. For a beginner, it needs the highest level of dedication, sincerity, and patience to learn the mandolin within a short time. If you truly have a passion for music and want to learn to play the mandolin, then this article may help you.

Is it difficult to Learn the Mandolin?

To learn Mandolin as like other String Instruments needs a huge amount of dedication to play it well. There are many specific reasons that make it harder for beginners when they want to learn Mandolin for the first time. According to many experts, age is a factor that most beginners try to ignore. Advanced people in age are able to give less concentration, and that makes it hard to come up with the necessary skills.

Honestly, how hard it is to learn mandolin leans on your experience and knowledge of other stringed instruments. And also depends on how much time and effort and how much you practice on it. These are the essential factors and if you do not go with this factor the process of learning mandolin obviously seems harder to you. A guitar player can learn the mandolin in an easy period. Besides, a violinist may find it a tricky instrument.

Many expert opinions on top beginner Mandolin theories are also sometimes beneficial for beginners. They have a proper guideline on different scales and placement of fingers on strings. Taking Suggestions or Lessons on Mandolin from the top expert eradicates the fear of learning mandolin as a beginner. They tell you how to start your session and what path you should follow.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Mandolin?

The most common question as a beginner is How Long Does it Take to Learn Mandolin? Actually, this varies largely depending on a few factors. If beginners are familiar with the same kind of instruments like fiddles, guitars, and violins, they need less time to master the mandolin. However, the answer of this question leans on how often a student practices and on the amount of effort he gives to learn these instruments. Also, it depends on how quickly he can cope up with the New Lessons and New Techniques. Moreover, learning new instruments like Mandolin needs dedication, consistency and patience, and skill.

If a student practices mandolin with proper concentration for 30-60 minutes a day, it only takes 3 months to learn and play the instruments with proper criteria. As students, who practice more, they can grow up their skill and set of playing naturally and also be able to play mandolin with confidence and consistency. To be an expert on any instrument needs patience in its early phase.

Giving little time every day and good practice can only help one to play good mandolin music. Learning notes with proper technique is also of key importance. Playing with others will enhance your skill in a good number that even you can’t imagine. After all, only the craziness about your passion can help you on this matter. If you really want to learn the mandolin, go after it with your passion, you will find your own way.

Tips for Becoming a Better Mandolin Player

Best first move to start your journey in music with this instrument, choose an affordable Mandolin that has double strings, most will have a hollow body and bridge formation that helps to produce multiple tones.

Becoming skilled in playing a Mandolin can be a great source of happiness. However, creating your chops may seem challenging and even frustrating for the beginner.

The more you will practice. The more you can cope up with the skill easily. To get your mandolin playing quickly with proper knowledge follow these tips.

• Listen To Mandolin Music: This is the most fundamental part you need to do if you want to be well versed in Mandolin playing, fortunately, there is a great resource for Mandolin music online.

• Get a Good Instructor: A good instructor also plays a vital role in learning Mandolin. Only a good instructor can give you the best outline on mandolin for beginners. A good instructor also helps to find out and fix problems and guide for the accountable lessons.

• Keep Your Mandolin Nearby: It helps to keep passion items nearby to you. Because it helps to give it more concentration when you have free time. So keeping your mandolin on a stand in a separate room is a good choice.

• Play Your Mandolin every day: Playing Mandolin every day helps to boost up your skill. When you play Mandolin every day for a fixed time it will develop your skill in a good manner. Moreover, spending time with your passionate items is important to understand their overall function.

• Go to Mandolin Camps or Workshops: Mandolin camps are happening all over the world. The Mandolin Cafe publishes a list of world-renowned Mandolin Camps. These camps are a great place for learning Mandolin for beginners. They organize workshops with famous mandolin that must help one to learn mandolin in a short period of time.

• Practice slowly and frequently using good Technique: Practicing with left and right hand by following proper technique can build up a good foundation. This practice helps you to play fast after a certain time. However, playing mandolin slowly is a very tough job. Although many mandolin players say that the key to playing fast is the key to playing slowly.

Conclusion

Learning to play a mandolin with grace, style and fluidity of tone is a sign of creativity. Many mandolin players suggest learning mandolin with the help of private lessons. This method will help you to match different styles of music within a short time. The musicians who are good at playing mandolin do not acquire this knowledge in one day. A huge level of passion and dedication makes him an expert in different types of music.

Learning to play a musical instrument like a mandolin is an adventure.

There are going to be some ups and downs along the way.

Having the right approach in your learning journey is essential to avoid any beginner traps that may make your life harder.

This article is your everything-you-need-to-know guide on how to play the mandolin.

Let’s get right into it.

How To Play The Mandolin For Beginners: Step By Step Guide

– What Kind of Music Can You Play on Mandolin?

The most fantastic thing about the mandolin is the versatility it offers its players.

If you pick this instrument, you can play all types of melodies from various genres, complete with chordal accompaniments.

For example, if you love listening to various tunes, you can easily use your mandolin to pick up the melodies.

This explains why this instrument has been famously used in various recordings over the years.

A good number of musicians have used the mandolin in their folk and blues jams.

The same case applies to classical music performers, although there are currently very few pieces from this genre using the mandolin.

Also, violin players who can play the mandolin find it easy to play their tunes using this instrument, thanks to their range similarity.

For example, in the United States, the mandolin is best identified with bluegrass music, with Bill Monroe being highly recognized as its pioneer.

– Choose Your Style

As a beginner mandolin player, who is yet to identify a musical path, it’s advisable to listen to all (the above-mentioned) music styles.

As you get acquitted to each style, you will develop a list of your favorites. This will help you decide the specific genre to focus on and work towards advancing your skills.

But, if you find yourself torn between various sounds and tones, just play whatever you feel is best.

Some players are comfortable working this way, and there is nothing wrong with this. You will find your right footing as you progress.

– How To Choose The Right Mandolin For You

Once you decide on the style of music you want to play, it’s advisable to choose the right mandolin to suit your needs.

We have a guide that will help you with this. Check out our recommended beginner mandolins.

Remember, each music genre emphasizes various aspects of your instrument.

Therefore, even if it’s true that a mandolin can play any kind of music, don’t just rush into buying any instrument. Some genres will come out better if you use a specific design of mandolin.

For example, if you settle on playing the bluegrass music, it’s better to use an F-style mandolin. Why?

Because F-style instruments come with smooth flowing curves around their neck. The A-style teardrop instrument will also come in handy.

But if you prefer playing classical/ folk music styles, you might want to invest in a bowl-backed mandolin, for playability.

Lovers of Irish music often use Mandola. And if they can’t seem to find any, a massive A-style mandolin performs just fine.

– Learn About Mandolin Strings

Your mandolin isn’t complete with its strings. They are the ones that determine the sound produced. Therefore, you should learn how to choose the best strings for your instrument (follow our guide here)

When selecting strings for your mandolin, you should consider the following criteria:

The string gauge: do you need light, medium, or heavy strings?

String materials: what material are the strings made of? Is it bronze, phosphor bronze, or copper? Or is it any other material?

Strings construction: Are the strings roundwound, silk, steel, or flattop?

For most beginners, it’s confusing to identify the correct strings for their instruments right away.

And although there is no single answer to such worrying questions, it’s comforting to know that mandolin strings aren’t that expensive.

In fact, you can get a set as cheap as $5 and the expensive type for as much as $50.  Therefore, you can experiment with as many mandolin strings as you want before settling for one.

Another commonly asked question is: “Why all mandolin are strings not the same?”

First, even if most mandolins for beginners use eight strings coming in a unison set of four, they still exhibit differences, as mentioned earlier.

This is in terms of the material used, their thickness, and the construction.

But does this make heavy mandolin strings better? Or should you get light strings?

When we speak of the mandolin strings gauge, we refer to the tension they place on your instrument.  It could be heavy, medium, or even light.

Heavy strings are known to bring more tension than light ones. And because of this, they produce potent tunes.

But, due to the inexperienced nature of beginners, most of them find heavy strings challenging to finger. Therefore, they prefer light strings.

Also, since light strings produce less volume, learners have nothing to worry about because their focus, at this stage, is mastering the basics.

You can upgrade to medium range strings as you progress and finally, the heavy strings if necessary.

Heavy mandolin strings present great difficulty in playing.

Players need to apply more force while trying to achieve speed and balance simultaneously, which isn’t easy to achieve even for experienced players.

Also, if you decide to use heavy strings, consider the type of instrument you’re using. For instance, the old bowl back instrument can easily get damaged with heavy accessories.

But if yours is the newest model of mandolins, especially those made in the US, you can rest easy since they’re usually strong and can withstand heavy strings.

Best Resources for Beginners to Learn Mandolin

While it’s advisable to hire a private tutor for your mandolin lessons, sometimes circumstances can’t allow it.

Some beginners don’t have enough cash for this, and others prefer having extra resources at their disposal for alone-time practicing.

Therefore, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, tons of resources will help you get to the next level. Most of them are cheap and free, so you’ve no excuse for not trying.

Here are some excellent examples:

1. Irish Mandolin Playing: A Complete Guide

This book is the fantastic work of Philip John Berthoud. It has both the Kindle and the hardcopy editions and focuses on teaching mandolin beginners the essential playing basics.

It also includes useful tips and takes readers through advanced topics such as variation creation and effective practice.

It also includes access to an online video.

This is the website to run to whenever you have a pressing question concerning the mandolin.

There’s nothing better than learning from fellow players.  And they do identify with your issues because they are probably going through the same or had in the past.

Their forums are educative.

In these digital times, it’s always comforting to know you can access the right information anywhere, anytime using your phone.

The chord app takes you through all chords and fingerings, allows you to write and import tunes, and even share with your peers.

It works perfectly fine with various string instruments such as the ukulele, guitars, and mandolins. Therefore, if you’re a double instrument player, it will be more advantageous for you.

The best part is that you can download it from Google Play or Appstore.

This website is full of Mandolin lessons led by Ben. The lessons are quite well done, and most of them are free.

If you want to buy individual lessons, you can also do so at a lower price.

We actually can’t discuss matters resources without covering YouTube. This online platform has tons of resources you can benefit from without paying a dim.

The MandolinTabs, for example, is a YouTube channel, containing multiple videos and tabs for mandolin players.

So, if you want to learn new mandolin songs, the best place to find and request one is here.

The channel also contains some useful mandolin tutorials.

Is the Mandolin Easy To Play?

Like every other instrument, playing the mandolin can be easy or a bit difficult, depending on several factors.

For instance, if you’ve ever played any string instrument in the past, it might be easy to finger the mandolin. But, it will also depend on your skills and the type of instrument you played.

In fact, some individuals believe that if you can easily find your way around the Ukulele, you shouldn’t struggle with the mandolin.

Some go as far as to recommend that mandolin beginners consider learning the Ukulele first before trying it out. (check out ukulele vs mandolin)

But, I see no sense in that because why would you waste a lot of time mastering an instrument that you have no interest in instead of going directly to your target? It’s a waste of resources.

Well, not unless you want to learn them both and have to prioritize which one comes first.

Besides, if you’ve got a passion and are dedicated, nothing can stop you from learning the mandolin.

Yes, it might be easy for some individuals, while others might have a hard time, but that’s normal.

We are all different, with various understanding capacities. Some individuals grasp concepts faster than others, and that’s absolutely normal.

What matters is the result. When you master your instrument and get very good at it, your audience won’t be focusing on how long you took to learn, but how excellently you can play.

Therefore, in this regard, the end justifies the means. Whether you found the mandolin easy or hard to learn, if you can’t sustain it and grow at it, no one will recognize your starting point.

The only important thing you should be aware of is that achieving string bends on a mandolin is difficult.

They are usually strung tighter than the guitar or the Ukulele. You will, therefore, require a lot of finger agility and finger strength.

You will have to focus on building your picking techniques. But, other than that, a mandolin is pretty easy to learn.

So, if you can withstand the little pain that comes with it initially, you will reap the rewards as you sharpen your skills. And yes, the journey is rewarding.

The mandolin has a unique rich treble, which makes it very captivating to the audience. It’s a charming instrument, and you are likely to enjoy learning it.

Therefore, if you’re sure this is the journey you want to take, don’t give up no matter how painful it gets or slow, you think you’re.

Remember, most learners are slow in the beginning, and it’s their perseverance that makes them admirable today. Keep going!

Tips for Beginners on How to Get Started with Learning Mandolin

a). Listen to As Much Mandolin Music as Possible

You can’t work on bettering yourself without motivation. If you listen to good mandolin tunes, you will aspire to produce similar sounds.

With the many easily downloadable music online, you can’t run out of options.

b). Get an Accountability Partner or Teacher

When you’re trying out something new, such as playing mandolin, it’s difficult to tell whether you’re heading in the right direction.

Therefore, having an accountability playing partner will help you learn from your mistakes. It’s easy for someone else to point out issues as you play and suggest useful corrections.

When choosing a tutor or a partner, choose one that focuses on the kind of music you’re playing. You can’t expect a bluegrass professional to be the best choice for your classical music performances.

c) Always Have Your Mandolin Close By

Your mandolin should always be within reach. Think of it this way, when you see it, you can create time to play it.

This should be your mantra, especially if you have a busy schedule.  And the best way to achieve this is by getting a quality mandolin stand to accommodate your instrument.

Practice during your free time, no matter how squeezed it might seem.

If other people are using the room or have small kids, store it in the nearby room/space, where you can easily see your mandolin and won’t be challenging to access it.

d) Play Everyday

Just like learning a foreign language, you can only get better mandolin playing skills with regular practice. Therefore, if you can, play your instrument every day.

If you find the pre-arranged training sessions boring, start playing it your favorite tunes for fun. The important thing is to get a hold of your instrument as much as possible, to improve your skills.

e). Record Yourself

Ensure you record yourself playing. Afterward, listen to yourself and see if you like what you hear. Do you like your sound? What can you do to improve it?

Since it’s easy to store recordings, you can use them to measure your growth.

The good news is that you don’t need an expensive recorder for this. Use your mobile phone or a cheap handheld recorder.

If you have a playing partner or tutor, let them help with the recording. Family members and friends will also come in handy.

This video will help you get started:

How Long Does It Take to Learn Mandolin?

First, I would like to say that how fast you learn the mandolin primarily depends on how much time you’re willing to dedicate to it.

Assuming you have enrolled in a teacher-led lesson, and can comfortably play for around an hour every day of the week, then you should have a decent knowledge of your instrument by the 3rd month.

But it won’t be until the lapse of another year of practice that you can confidently say you’re proficient.

Also, this depends on the type of music you wish to play. For example, if you have a liking for classical/orchestra performances, it could take you up to two years to master sufficient playing skills.

As you can see, patience and consistency are key.

FAQs About How to Play the Mandolin for Beginners

What Is A Good Mandolin for Beginners?

A good mandolin for a beginner should be easy to pick and pretty affordable.

For that, I would recommend the Vangoa Mandolin A Style Acoustic Electric Mandolins and the Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-model Mandolin.

For more details, check out my previous article on the “Best Beginner Mandolin.”

Do You Strum or Pick A Mandolin?

Both. You can strum the chords when accompanying a singer or another instrument, or pick tunes and melodies, though the latter is less common.

Why Does Mandolin Have Double Strings?

The main reason for double strings in the mandolin is to help players achieve desirable volume and a sustainable note, which could otherwise be too quiet with single short scale strings.

Also, most string instruments were paired in olden days, and it’s the mandolin that has managed to maintain this.

Can A Mandolin Be Tuned Like A Guitar?

Yes, you can. But it will be hard for you to play. You need space on that tiny mandolin fretboard. It’s better to learn those mandolin chords.

Conclusion

Beginner mandolin players need to identify their style, know how to select the right instrument, and maximize the use of the various available resources if they want to make the learning process easy.

If you diligently follow the insights offered in this article, there’s no reason why you can’t learn how to play your instrument.

Also, don’t forget to remain positive, always!