How to Play the Mandolin

Summary: The mandolin belongs to the guitar family of musical instruments. Considerably smaller, the mandolin has eight strings which are paired together in four courses that are strummed or plucked to produce sound. Mandolins are typically tuned the same as a violin, but can be tuned to produce the same fretting patterns as the standard guitar. Believed to have derived from Italian culture, the Mandolin is used in a variety of music genres including Bluegrass, Country and Western, Folk, and Rock and Roll. Even Greek and Indian cultures have incorporated the Mandolin into Kantades and Carnatic music.

In this series of expert videos, you will learn more about the history and incorporation of the Mandolin. Watch as our expert introduces you to the parts of the Mandolin and teaches you how to play this stringed instrument. Learn more about the different mandolin types and learn how to tune your mandolin from our expert. Hear the wonderful sounds of the mandolin and learn how to play music such as the song Cripple Creek. Get tips for crosspicking and basic picking. You will also find a basic scale lesson for the mandolin in this video series. Learn everything from the basic not structure to a complete song while viewing these educational do-it-yourself videos!