No, you cannot play the mandolin like a guitar. The mandolin is a stringed instrument that is played with a pick, while the guitar is played with the fingers. The mandolin has eight strings in four pairs, while the guitar has six strings. The mandolin is tuned in fifths, while the guitar is tuned in fourths.
I've been playing the mandolin for a few years now and I still can't seem to get the hang of playing chords. I know a few people who play the mandolin and they all seem to play chords beautifully. I asked one of them how they do it and they said it's all about practice. I guess I'll just have to keep practicing then!
There are two main ways to play the mandolin - either by strumming or picking. Picking is when you use a pick (or plectrum) to play individual notes, while strumming is when you use your fingers or a strummer to play chords. Both styles have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you're not sure which style to choose, try out both and see which one you feel most comfortable with.
When it comes to purchasing a mandolin, the old saying "you get what you pay for" certainly rings true. With that in mind, how much should you spend on a mandolin? There are mandolins available at all price points, from around $100 to $10,000. Of course, the quality of the instrument increases as the price goes up. If you're a beginner, you may want to start with a less expensive model. But if you're serious about playing the mandolin, you'll eventually want to invest in a high-quality instrument.
4.8/5
Interior made of soft fabric to protect your valuable instrument (Reinforced pad above headstock to prevent damage).
Hola! Heavy Duty A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag (Soft Case) with 15mm Padding, Black
Quality construction with dual opening heavy duty metal zippers.
Exterior made of heavy duty 700D Oxford Nylon fabric with 15mm padding.
Includes a carry handle, adjustable shoulder strap and accessory pocket.
$234
I'm pleased with the good quality of this Hola mandolin gig bag. It seems well-constructed, and the pictures match the item (I bought the black version) (I bought the black version).The only mandolin I've put in it so far, is a modern (new) standard-looking "A" style mandolin (low-cost Rogue RM-100A), and the Hola case gives sufficient protection with room left over so it's not snug/tight - I don't have to remove the mandolin's strap first (I know, bad habit), just put it all in there and zip 'er up, fits great.Both the zippers (the main zipper and also the outside pocket zipper) are two-way zippers (can zip from either end) and they seem good quality, they work smoothly, I haven't got them hung up on the cloth or anything yet.The main zipper goes all the way around the bag (except for a couple-inch wide cloth-reinforced area at back) so you can unzip it as far as you want to (you can't completely unzip it to *remove* the top, but most people probably wouldn't want to do that anyway).Handle is padded and seems comfortable, and there's *another* strap (adjustable length) on the *back* so you could carry it as a back/shoulder-bag type of thing if you wish.Front *outside* zippered pocket is nice too, although that pocket is about a 1/2-inch too short to hold full-size printed 8.5"x11" (21.5cm x 28cm) sheet music, but eh no problem really, I very seldom use printed *anything* anymore. Although I noted that the outside pocket *is* big enough to hold a full-size thick hymn book (the test book measures 6.12" wide (15.7cm) x 9" high (22.8cm) x 1.25" (3.9cm) thick. The pocket itself measures about 9.25" wide (23.5cm), and the *usable* square height is about 9" (22.8cm) but the *actual* (arch-shaped/rounded) top is about 11.25" (28.5cm) high at its *peak* but it *won't* hold a *square* item that tall (see pictures of front pocket to see rounded top shape of pocket) (see pictures of front pocket to see rounded top shape of pocket).MORE MEASUREMENTS - the mandolin compartment: Keep in mind the bag is quite flexible so this following set of measurements isn't very precise, but this will give an idea of the gig bag's INTERIOR size, here's what I got with my tape measure:Inside LENGTH: about 30" (76.2cm),sInside WIDTH at widest part: about 13" (approx 33cm),sInside DEPTH: at deepest (body) area about 3.5" (approx 8.9cm) which tapers to about 2" (approx 5.1cm) at headstock (the narrow/top part).As you can see in the pictures, there isn't a pick/accessory pocket on the *inside* of the gig bag (under the mandolin's neck) like there is in some hard-shell cases, I suppose it would be difficult to add such a pocket on a flexible gig bag, anyway it isn't really necessary with this gig bag because there's the large *outside* zippered pocket to put picks, tuners, it would even hold a couple of 16-ounce (half-liter) small water bottles but that's not advised 'cause the water bottles might leak. :)So anyway I give this thing 5 stars because it seems well-designed and well-built, and it's perfect for my uses.
4.6/5
D'Addario's best selling mandolin set^Loop end construction for universal fit^Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .011/.011, 015/.015, Phosphor Bronze Wound .026/.026, .040/.040
Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone
Loop end construction for universal fit
D'Addario's best selling mandolin set
String Gauges: Plain Steel .011/.011, 015/.015, Phosphor Bronze Wound .026/.026, .040/.040
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
$234
I have only ever used these D'Addario mandolin strings on my F5 and purchased this set for my son's low-quality import mandolin. With the addition of a new ebony bridge and regular gauge strings, the inexpensive import mandolin sounds ten times better than it did before. When people describe these strings as "not for beginners," it bothers me. The playability would not be a problem if the mandolin was set up properly. Perhaps the people giving it that kind of evaluation ARE novices and don't see the value of setup. I heartily endorse the EJ74 (formerly J74) set. The stainless G and D strings of the EJS74 set that I unintentionally purchased lack the tone, punch, and clarity of the phosphor bronze ones in terms of tone and clarity.
4.5/5
Buy 3 sets and save on D'Addario best selling mandolin set.
Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh.
STRING gauges: plain steel .011/.011, 015/.015, phosphor Bronze wound .026/.026, .040/.040
Made in the U.S.A. For the highest quality and performance.
"Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone and loopend construction for universal fit. "
$234
I have only ever used these D'Addario mandolin strings on my F5 and purchased this set for my son's low-quality import mandolin. With the addition of a new ebony bridge and regular gauge strings, the inexpensive import mandolin sounds ten times better than it did before. When people describe these strings as "not for beginners," it bothers me. The playability would not be a problem if the mandolin was set up properly. Perhaps the people giving it that kind of evaluation ARE novices and don't see the value of setup. I heartily endorse the EJ74 (formerly J74) set. The stainless G and D strings of the EJS74 set that I unintentionally purchased lack the tone, punch, and clarity of the phosphor bronze ones in terms of tone and clarity.
4.5/5
80/20 Bronze mandolin strings
String Gauges: .010/.010, .014/.014, .024/.024, .034/.034
80/20 Bronze mandolin strings^Loop end construction for universal fit^Bright, crisp tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: .010/.010, .014/.014, .024/.024, .034/.034
Bright, crisp tone
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
Loop end construction for universal fit
$234
All of my guitars have D'Addairo strings, so I assumed these would be fine. I don't play the mandolin, but I acquired one from an antique collector who no longer wanted it as a mantel ornament. It's an ancient model from 1910 that need stringing and cleaning. These sound good and fit well.
4.4/5
Light gauge: .010 .014 .024 .034
Played for a bright, bell-like tone
Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated†feel
Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
Mandolin strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
$234
Since I've been playing stringed instruments for a while, I've always used medium gauge strings on all of my axes since I just always bought them. I was thrilled with the results last year after trying a lighter gauge string as suggested by a friend to reduce some of the strain on my hands. I chose the Elixir light gauge stings to tune up the antique mandolin, and I couldn't be happier with the results. These strings will improve your playing because they are bright and responsive. To be clear, your mandolin will sound fantastic, and you'll be so pumped that you'll play more, test your limits, explore new areas, and quickly improve. I changed the strings this morning and am now halfway through creating a new record about enjoying life, dying autos, and home cooked meals when I was at the mechanic's waiting for a bevy of terrible news concerning my car. These strings are for you if you have a mandolin and need fresh ones!
4.4/5
Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
Mandolin strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
Medium gauge: .011 .015 .026 .040
Played for a bright, bell-like tone
Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated†feel
$234
Since I've been playing stringed instruments for a while, I've always used medium gauge strings on all of my axes since I just always bought them. I was thrilled with the results last year after trying a lighter gauge string as suggested by a friend to reduce some of the strain on my hands. I chose the Elixir light gauge stings to tune up the antique mandolin, and I couldn't be happier with the results. These strings will improve your playing because they are bright and responsive. To be clear, your mandolin will sound fantastic, and you'll be so pumped that you'll play more, test your limits, explore new areas, and quickly improve. I changed the strings this morning and am now halfway through creating a new record about enjoying life, dying autos, and home cooked meals when I was at the mechanic's waiting for a bevy of terrible news concerning my car. These strings are for you if you have a mandolin and need fresh ones!
4.4/5
All strings are Loop End
Made from the same 80/20 alloy as our most popular acoustic strings
Crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones
$234
Although these strings are excellent, keep in mind that the majority of carved-top mandolin players probably won't find them appealing. These are generally ideal if you have an older flattop or bowlback that you want to keep the tension off of, or if you simply require lighter strings because of advancing age or weak hands. However, if you enjoy bluegrass or other strident playing, these will be far too delicate for you.
4.2/5
Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
D'Addario's most popular light gauge mandolin strings^Loop end construction for universal fit^Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .010/.010, 014/.014, Phosphor Bronze Wound .024/.024, .038/.038
D'Addario's most popular light gauge mandolin strings
Loop end construction for universal fit
String Gauges: Plain Steel .010/.010, 014/.014, Phosphor Bronze Wound .024/.024, .038/.038
$234
These swapped out the factory strings on a Rover RM-25s I recently acquired. Its nickel strings, which were somewhat tinny, weren't to my taste. The action hasn't altered because these gauges are practically same, but the sound is much better. more even and a wider spectrum of tones. Since this mando lacks an adjustable truss rod, I didn't want to go to mediums.
4.2/5
Loopend construction for universal fit
Phosphor Bronze for long lasting, warm and bright tone
Custom gauged for balance and consistency across strings
Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
String Gauges: Plain Steel .0115/.0115, 016/.016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .026/.026, .040/.040
$234
I've just just installed these on my instrument, but I already see a change. They have the perfect amount of earthy twang and jangle and sound so warm and clean. Additionally, they feel considerably smoother in my fingers. It's also great that the A and E courses have grown in size. My melodies seem more powerful and pure (great sustain), but I'm not struggling to fret single notes or even some chord formations because my fingers don't even realize the size increase. I initially purchased them because I can go through a pair of uncoated D'addario's (EJ74) in two weeks when I'm playing heavily (2-4 hours per day, 6-7 days per week). I'll be thrilled if these can survive even a little while longer.ADVANCED 8/18/16I've played these strings for a month and many hours, and I'm still in love with them. Even after vigorous playing and slight bending, they maintain their tension, continue to feel silky smooth, and continue to provide the expected sound. The coating is the difference of a MILLION. A coated set of strings really do make a difference, despite the fact that I would have never imagined it could. Even if it costs more, it is entirely worthwhile. (As an aside, the coating does influence how loud the pick impacts when it is being used.) I haven't had any issues or worries, but I've subsequently learned that individuals who preferred celluloid picks in particular may hear a click as they switched strings.
4.1/5
Loop for headstock or scroll fastening
Traditional Mandolin Strap in Chestnut Brown Leather
Suitable for A and F type mandolins
Double reinforced endcaps
Adjustable from 41-47" 3/8" Wide and 1/8" Thick
$234
I enjoy the way the strap looks and the smooth leather. It is comfy and adjustable. I did found that the buckle hurt my neck a little bit if I wasn't wearing a shirt with a collar. But it's quite comfy with a collar. I played it on a mandolin in the F style. What attachment points would be accessible would determine how well it would function on an A style appearance.
The mandolin is tuned in fourths like the violin, with the exception of the second string which is a major third above the first string.
Mandolin is a stringed instrument that is typically played with a pick. It has four strings that are tuned in pairs, which gives it a higher pitch than other stringed instruments. While mandolin is considered to be a relatively easy instrument to learn, it does take some practice and dedication to master.
It is often said that the mandolin is one of the hardest instruments to learn. Many people believe that it is harder to learn than the guitar. While the mandolin does have a steep learning curve, it is not necessarily harder to learn than the guitar. Each instrument has its own challenges. For the mandolin, the biggest challenge is often the size of the instrument. The small size of the mandolin can make it difficult to hold and play. Additionally, the strings on the mandolin are usually thinner than those on the guitar, which can make them harder to press down.
No definitive answer exists to this question since it depends on the individual's level of skill and experience with each instrument. That said, some people may find the mandolin harder to play than the ukulele due to the former's smaller size and higher string tension, which can make fretting and chord shapes more challenging. Others may find the ukulele more difficult due to its higher tuning, which can make some chords and melodies harder to execute. Ultimately, the best way to determine which instrument is more difficult for you is to try both and see which one you feel more comfortable
The dots on the neck of a mandolin are used as a fretboard inlay. They help the player know where their fingers should go to play the correct notes.
A mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family and is usually plucked with a plectrum. It has four double strings which are tuned in unison. The mandolin is the soprano member of the lute family, which includes the mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello and mandobass. The body of a mandolin is typically oval or teardrop-shaped, and has a flat back and a fretted neck. The mandolin's strings are typically tuned in fourths, with the lowest string being an octave
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