Mandolin Lessons

Learn to play the Mandolin. Mandolin tutors throughout the UK; more welcome.

The Mandolin originated in Mandore and is an instrument classified as being a soprano member of the lute family - which by definition includes any instrument whose strings are plucked.

A mandolin has an oval-shaped body and a soundboard shaped like a teardrop with open sound holes. Originally, it had six gut strings in six courses and was plucked with the fingertips. The modern mandolin has eight metal strings in four courses, and is plucked with a plectrum.

Instrument can be bought online, in local music stores and found in flea markets and at car boot sales. Beginners’ models are usually reasonably-priced and are stocked by most music stores. Before you begin a playing session, be sure the mandolin is properly tuned and is in good condition. The strings have similar notes and are played simultaneously.

As part of the pre-playing checklist, inspect the string length attached to the fret board. If the strings are high, it will be difficult to play chords and notes and if too low, they will buzz or rattle on the board. First, place the mandolin on the lap pointing towards the left, observe the plastic or strip bone close to the pegs that cross the strings, which is known as the nut. This should go over the strings on the primary fret.

The bridge is where the strings intersect at the far end of the mandolin. On modern mandolins, these bridges have round nuts, which are adjustable to help lower or raise the action. Adjust or check this is by inserting a small coin between each string and then adjusting the bridge. The should generally make the mandolin easy to play.

The string closest to the knee should be set to an E, the next an A, the third one a D and the last a G - just the same as a violin. To get a G note, press the string on the space connecting the sixth metal strip to the seventh then pluck it. To get the D note, strum on the third cord without pressing it down. Just as the D note, push down the seventh cord and tune the A cord the same way. Pluck the A cord then adjust the E cord in a way that they are the same as the A string.

When handling the pick, stretch the hand out and bend the index finger forward. With the pick pointing left, balance it on the first joint of the index finger and always remember to keep the fingers pointing outwards. Hold the arms still while moving the wrists up and down while keeping the pick at a right angle to the strings. Play the chords by pressing down hard on the strings to produce a clear sound.

Mandolins are very easy to maintain and is generally commonsense. Do not store the instrument in a place that has too high or too low humidity. Never leave the instrument in direct sunlight as this will cause damage to the bridge. Moving it from a warm to a cold place directly could damage the finish of a mandolin.

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