Guitar Player Learning Mandolin - 10 Thoughts & Experiences (2018)

[@thebenderbunker]

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[@mintonmiller]

I learned more about music theory after three months of mandolin than I did after 30 years of guitar. Also, do not underestimate two finger chords. I mostly play doublets the way a violin player would because the tuning is the same. Do not worry about playing an entire chord, just play the part you need.

[@michaelhubbell1260]

Why do you think that is? I’m learning mandolin right now and there does seem to be a stronger focus on theory in the community but I don’t know why.

[@mintonmiller]

@@michaelhubbell1260 I do not think that mandolin players are any more into theory than any other player except maybe online. what I learned by theory was mainly by accident. It started when a friend of mine started learning mandolin first. we were at a jam session where we mostly played 3 chord old country and gospel. and someone said "this song is in the key of C" and for a heads up said, "it also has an Am". My friend said "Idon't know how to play an Am" and looked it up in his chord book. He said "it's just a two finger C chord" When I started playing I discovered that an Am could be played by just staying in that C chord, A Bm could be played by staying in D and a, Em by staying in G. When I looked it up online I learned the term Relative minors". That really opened up a door for me in my mind. for the first time, I was not just learning chord structures by wrote, I had some Idea of what I was actually doing. Playing Dobro taught me about minor thirds in a way that was easy to understand and I also quickly learned how to figure out every major and minor chord for any key on the dobro. The dobro made those things easier for me to learn because of the open tuning and the fact that you can see it in a straight line. On guitar, everything was just too jumbled up for my feeble mind to keep track of, so for 30 years, all I did was learn chording by wrote. So, that should be as clear as buttermilk.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

@@michaelhubbell1260 Maybe because there's just G D A E and their in simple 5ths

[@Shia-rb3gc]

​​@@michaelhubbell1260y guess is that's because you already have experience with relating the instrument with music reading and theory, so you dive into the new instrument at your full capacity. When you learned your first instrument that was not the case, you were starting to get a hold of yourself between theory, technique and a bunch of new stuff to you, so the focusing was not the same.

[@MrDogan529]

i just picked up a mandolin last week and as a guitar player for the last 20 years i cannot agree enough about every statment you made in this video. Super fun to learn and im having a blast! the small frets are definatley the hardest part for me so far.

[@keithfox7315]

As a guitar & banjo player learning the mandolin, hammering on & picking off was also so much more difficult, and bending was not really do-able. The other instruments were longer and looser. Sustain on the mandolin was so short & strings were so tight that precision (as you said) was oh-so much more important.

[@bkdexter79]

I started learning Mando 2 months ago after playing strictly bass guitar for the last 45 years. It ain't easy! But, I am progressing and having a blast learning new stuff. Also, you lent a great aspect to switching from one instrument to another. Keep up the good work!

[@richardvine4572]

After playing other people's right-handed guitars upside down for a lifetime (the guitars were upside down, not me - I'm a lefty) I could pretty much pick up a right handed mandolin and strum every song I knew instantly as the chords (notwithstanding some minor differences) which would seem upside down to a righty were right way up for me. So why the hell did I buy a left-handed mandolin!

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

re: #9 - carpal tunnel was the reason I switched from guitar to mandolin in the first place. It was so bad I couldn't play guitar for more than 5 minutes and I couldn't make chords without excruciating pain, even after stretching. I still have limited playtime with mandolin but I can do a lot more than I could on guitar.

[@artprince9163]

I have been meaning to get back to the mandolin. I still have one that has a pickup so I can use it with a pop/ rock band if desired. Always frustrated with my fingers feeling cramped and I have just average size fingers. I need to pick it up and give it another go. Need to do the same with my lap steels and dobro. Thanks for the motivation to do so.

[@zepmanlee8962]

Now I can't wait to try Battle Of Evermore while taking a shit...

[@elba9066]

Many useful thoughts on notes, chords, fretting, picking guitar versus mandolin. One extra clarification was desirable: chords from guitar are just in different position so knowledge is transferable not obsolete

[@StopFear]

I know the mandolin is supposed to be played with the pick, but I don’t want it to be too loud so I only play with my fingers pads and the nails.

[@bobgamacho]

Very informative, thank you. Answered a good number of questions I had, only thing absent was sitting/standing differences. My mandolin arrives tomorrow as my musical journey continues.

[@dustinfields2055]

I’ve always played mandolin and I’ve been thinking of trying to learn guitar. Cool to hear your perspective from the other side.

[@Rideskishore]

Great vid. Long time guitar player here who just picked up the mando. I can identify with all your points .

[@MichaelYISRAEL]

Nice explanation, I also like Mandolin.

[@clawmansegele1988]

Very interesting! Getting a mandolin this holiday season :)

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Very interesting ! Been playing guitar since 1963 , always thought mandolin were neat and different . Been thinking about it for years , at 73 years old ( still play guitar every day ) . I think I want to buy a mandolin !

[@zekeb3089]

Thanks for the posting! Bass/guitar player here who just inherited an old mandolin. Lets see if my and my fat fingers can adapt!

[@thebenderbunker]

Glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy the new (to you) Mandolin!

[@rick00770]

Picked one up, got some chords but the runs are troubling me. But not giving up.

[@christopherparridgen5622]

Very good video that wasn't even teaching much about actually playing, but the pros and cons from a guitar players perspective. I think this will help me too. I'm also a guitar player thats been trying and struggling to play my mandolin. I've had it for probably 3 years and finally put new strings on it and starting practicing. Its definitely a different beast. Thanks for your output on it. Definitely will help me figure some things out.

[@esp224]

Thanks, just what an old guitar player needed.

[@martinbabacek5752]

Hi, nice video😉 Thank you😉 I stand just infront of the mandolin doors as guitare player....I will see, whats I meet in the mandolin world😉😉

[@mandolinic]

Your carpal tunnel problem may be because you're pressing too hard. The strings are under a lot of tension so the temptation is to push really hard to stop buzzing. The barred chords are difficult and may be contributing to your problems, but there often simpler variations with only two fingers, such as Am 5200, A 6200 (use little finger), A7 0200, A5 2200. You can fake C7 with 0210 (No C!) Another interesting technique is simply to play two adjacent strings for a chord, either tremolo on both strings, or alternating strings with the pick. Eg. D xx02, D7 xx32 (no D note but they still work). If you're only playing two string, then you only need to fret those strings, and it lessens the stress on the left hand.

[@nonzer0value]

Agreed with pressing too hard. I stepped down from medium to light-gauge strings because my hand wasn't strong enough. Overall I haven't had much trouble with my fretting hand though. More with my right hand which has evidently always been pretty sloppy, and tires out more easily. Un-learning my pick grip and adopting a new one is hard, but it's paying off in terms of stamina and better tone. I'm surprised you didn't mention the pick difference. If you're playing mando with a guitar pick, I highly recommend picking up some Dunlop Primetones - 1.4mm, the bigger beveled triangle shaped ones. Massive tonal improvement, and the thicker picks just work way better.

[@mandolinic]

@@nonzer0value Pick choice is highly personal for every player, which is why there are so many on the market. If there was one single pick that everyone agreed was the best, then manufacturers wouldn't waste money making anything else ;-) I'm glad you've found a pick that works for you.

[@amandasteven1400]

nah. the carpal tunnel thingy is poetic justice for chasing his daughter around the house all day playing jingle bells

[@nonzer0value]

@@mandolinic My apologies if my comment rubbed you the wrong way or presumed too much. Good fortune to you on your musical journey.

[@mandolinic]

@@nonzer0value No apology necessary as I didn't take any offence. That said, I still appreciate the kind thought even though it wasn't necessary. In return, let me wish YOU good wishes on your musical journey.

[@BulldoggerJK]

Mandolin is the snare drum of bluegrass. Rarely play open note chords and they’re muted right away. Check out Adam Steffey to see how it’s done. Mandolin makes my knuckles hurt. A few minutes and I’m done.

[@freezerboi]

I played guitar for YEARS before I bought a mandolin, and I love the thing! It's like a backwards bass, but it's easy to pick up.

[@thebenderbunker]

Agreed. Surprised more guitar players don't play them. Thanks for posting!

[@geneedwards5639]

Very informative video. I’ve been playing guitar and bass since I was 13; I’m now 71. I have cervical spine nerve issues affecting the strength in my left hand (I am right-handed). Guitar bar chording and certain other chord shapes are becoming difficult for me. I am thinking of trying the mandolin to see if I can more easily form chords and pick notes. It’s interesting to hear about your carpal tunnel issues with the mandolin as opposed to guitar playing. I’ll remember that when I begin playing mandolin. Thanks for making and sharing this video.

[@norcalbob3838]

think about an ukulele, the nylon strings fret a lot more easily than steel.

[@vincelangley4748]

Very great thoughts. I especially like bathroom idea. I also am dealing with the finger issues on the fret hand. I will be watching for the cure. Nice job

[@johnkelly4237]

Great lesson, very insightful and interesting. Thank you!

[@robinfawcett7973]

I was originally a fiddle player but unfortunately broke my left wrist badly and couldn't play any more. So I transferred my repertoire of mainly Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes over to the mandolin. I play tunes and melodies - hardly any chords as couldn't be bothered to learn 'em! Get yourself a decent instrument - you won't regret it!

[@stephenhunt572]

If you want to play an instrument with the same tuning as a mandolin but with bigger fret spacing try a mandola it's tuned CGDA so if you put a capo on it at the 7th fret is the same as a mandolin GDAE Also try a tenor banjo in Irish tuning which is the same Just an octave lower You can also tune it CGDA the lighter gauge strings that's the same as a mandola Also have you noticed that the bass strings of a guitar are the same

[@fluke808state4]

Hi, what is a good starter mandolin? I don't want action too high. Budget £200 to £350. Thinking an ozark, rounded back? Not flat back.

[@rugbygirlsdadg]

Point 4 absolutely. Particularly as my background is as a rhythm player in a big band... All chords.

[@rugbygirlsdadg]

I'm now looking for a Celtic tuned tenor banjo, which is tuned the same as a mandolin.

[@tecnolover2642]

Wait...if its tuned G D A E bottom to top then all guitar bar chords using 6th and 5th string roots are the same! Great! Im ready to try it! Also the scale shapes will be the same as on guitar strings 3 4 5 6. Nice!

[@Hugoknots]

Awesome video, I may just pull the trigger now!

[@jorel80]

Oddly, i had the opposite experience! i played mandolin for a few years before i picked up guitar and found the difference in the action and string tension, and fret size to be challenging. I was used to pressing down so hard on the mando that the guitar fret board felt slippery to me, i was very sloppy on guitar, especially electric

[@davidconnellchicago]

Man, this was fun!!! I was in a music store today, I play guitar and piano, and I was looking at the Mandolin, thinking, maybe I should get one. Can't be that hard. Loved your video....great video....think I am going to "pull the trigger" as you say. Thanks for posting and taking the time......I did watch another mandolin video before yours and they were going over finger placement on the fret-board...they said it is a little different, maybe that has to do with your carpel tunnel....thanks again...this was very helpful.....Dave

[@EvansSecret]

Played guitar for 15 years before picking up the banjolele (ukulele with a banjo snare head). Most of what you said about the mandolin is true for the ukulele/banjolele, in terms of size. The Mandolin seems like a good next step for me! Thanks!

[@deeman524]

I love the sound of the octave mandolin

[@comingstorm6403]

This was an excellent video. Thank you very much for it. You helped me make my decision.

[@318mjb]

I too have been playing guitar "for decades" and Ive always wanted to try mando. I actually had one once, 40+ years ago. But lately I've had the itch to try to squeeze my sausage fingers in between those skinny little fret spaces again. This video is the perfect thing for me, and I thank you whole-heartedly for revealing your experiences in such a straight-forward and no-nonsense way. I borrowed my buddy's mando last night and I'm going to dive into it this morning, but first I thought I'd see if there was anything on youtube that was for experienced guitarists who want to see if mando is for them, and here you are! As to your carpal tunnel thing, that is interesting in that I have pain in both thumbs but I think mine is arthritis - but it could be tendinitis as I play guitar at least an hour - and usually more than an hour - every day. I've thought maybe the pain would go away if I'd take a few days or a week off - but even though I tire of hearing myself play, I simply cannot not play. But there is a nice little video on youtube with Ricky Skaggs and he explains how he holds the mando - and the guy who he's talking to to who is trying to learn the mando is a classical guitarist. Ricky actually pokes a little fun at him for holding the mando in such a precise manner. That vid is worth a look...

[@thebenderbunker]

Thanks for stopping by TheBenderBunker. Will check out the Skaggs video you suggested. Still love the Mando as a great diversion when I'm burnt on the Bender!

[@norcalbob3838]

I'm an ukulele player and recently got a baritone for the second time, the first i gave away without ever really playing it no regrets, it went to a good home. I've played the second a couple of tomes a d those grers are soooo far apart

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The neat thing about a Mandolin is that most of the Chords are only 2 fingers, you can actually tune a Tenor Guitar the same way w/ John Pearse 450 Tenor Guitar Strings.

[@Liam_Doherty_UK]

I’m just starting, after playing guitar for many years. I don’t know wether it’s me, or if it’s the strings being to heavy a gauge, and the action being too high. It’s good watching this gentleman. He turned me onto the B bender, and after watching this video I’m encouraged to persevere with the mandolin.😊

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

​@@Liam_Doherty_UK For Mandolin you need really light gauge strings & to lower the action

[@Liam_Doherty_UK]

Thank you. I was thinking along those lines, but it's good to get it confirmed. Thanks again @@RockStarOscarStern634

[@floydprice3829]

What type of mandolin you sporting? I bought a Rogue F style about 6 months ago. It's a cheapy but I love it.

[@alisterwiddowson2412]

excellent video! thanks

[@ruscular]

Have you played the Gold Tone F12 style Mando-guitar ? with 12 strings, is this a chord or finger style type instrument?

[@jtarman70]

You think those frets are small coming from the guitar, you should pick up a Ukulele like I did. Started with a concert size and moved up to a tenor size. I could play pretty quickly but squeezing my big old finger into such small spots was a challenge at first.

[@mandoguitarsongs3151]

I've just gone through the same experience, right down to the weird forearm soreness. Glad to know it's not just me. I just figure our decades of guitar have trained our callouses and song knowledge way ahead of the slight change in finger placement impacts working new muscle angles to hit those tiny frets. That's something a better mandolin helps with a lot also. But all points, 1-10 are spot on target. I'd just add - if you have enough guitar experience to know what a decent instrument is supposed to play like, get a mandolin of comparable level soon after getting hooked. Don't wait, it makes a big difference in playability as well as tone. There are some entry level instruments that do the beginners a disservice.

[@thebenderbunker]

Great point regarding a quality instrument - always a good idea if possible! Thanks for watching.

[@gabewilsonlovelightharmony8843]

I was just watching another video from a guitar player starting Mandolin and he mentioned hand problems that were relieved by a radiuses fret board????

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Not a mandolin, but bought a Puerto Rican cuatro. Love it.

[@frankcost]

Thanks for this! Very helpful!

[@Ravenscaller]

Does the carpal tunnel issue ever go away with use? I've read that lots of people have the problem but nobody posting that it's a start up issue and will bet better.

[@TheHarley883r]

thank you Sir good info and well done ...

[@guyriddihough]

Thx for this. I was starting to have serious second thoughts for all the reasons you point out but now I have courage again! (What was that thing you played at the beginning? I want to lean it…)

[@congerscott6064]

Very cool, thanks for the video 👍.

[@eddiefay66]

Memorizing guitar chords are not useless, they’re simply backwards, or consider lefty, on a mandolin. Guitar is tuned from low E, EADGBE. Mandolins are also tuned from high E, EADG. So, the top 4 strings on a guitar, would be the only strings on a mandolin. If you played a chord on guitar using only the top four strings, it’s the same chord (backwards/upside down/lefty) on a mandolin.

[@Sophia-vx8gj]

I’m a violinist so transferring to a mandolin has been “somewhat” easy 🤔

[@richardbrown854]

Excellent efficient and thoughtful video Thank you!

[@thebenderbunker]

Glad you enjoyed it! The Mandolin is still a great option for me during those rare times I don't feel like picking up a Tele.

[@Mepppyaibjkcnm]

Really helpful and insightful. Thank you!

[@thebenderbunker]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by TheBenderBunker!

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Did you ever learn to play it? It's best to have a better quality instrument when first learning to play.

[@walkerweyland7685]

Very useful, thank you!

[@paulhopkins5067]

Love this vid, answered alot of questions I had.

[@thebenderbunker]

Glad to be of service - thanks for stopping by TheBenderBunker!

[@larryrhindress2972]

I play guitar and just bought a mandolin. Once I learned the chords, I still can't get my head around picking with the order of strings being backwards compared to a guitar. Any suggestions?

[@thebenderbunker]

Probably no better options than repetition and time - Thanks for watching!

[@leifsteinmetz5367]

Not comparing it to a guitar helps me

[@V8trickshot]

@@leifsteinmetz5367 agreed close your eyes and try to Learn the tunes you know by ear

[@davidheilman1613]

After playing the Guitar for the better part of 50 years, I too bought a Mandolin, and have just loved it! It is a very Fun and Expressive instrument, and it's a Blast. I would agree with your list of 10, although, I've not had the issue with the carpaltunel. but, my fingers have gotten very sore after playing for a while. If I were to add anything to your list, it would be about the quality of Mandolin a person starts out with. No, people do not need to start with a $6000 Mandolin, but a good mandolin is all about how the instrument is Set Up. If it isn't set up well, you'll never get the instrument in tune, nor will you enjoy playing it because you will be fighting it the entire time. I bought a New mandolin for about $600 thinking I was getting an OK instrument. I knew nothing about mandolin's and once bought, I was learning fast that my instrument was going to Kill me if I didn't get it set up well. But, once it is set up right, Hey, this is a very enjoyable instrument, and very expressive. A Happy sounding instrument. I have actually laughed out loud while playing this instrument because it has been so fun.

[@Patricia-qb1yy]

Is the placement of the chords on a guitar the same on a mandolin?

[@gertvanrooy428]

I have been playing the guitar for only 2 two years, and I feel I need to use up a lot of my spare time practicing. But I'm still very intrigued by the mandolin. At this stage in my guitar journey, would you say it is a bad idea to pick up the mandolin in addition?

[@thebenderbunker]

Howdy! Depends on the individual and how much extra free time you've got to devote to playing would be my guess. If I was short on time to play I'd probably pick up the guitar 99 out of 100 times. Thanks for watching!

[@amydickerson2145]

Shift your elbow out slightly away from your body. It sets your forearm at a slight angle. You shouldn't play it directly below the fret board.

[@reinoutburgers4225]

thanks for this lesson....:)

[@chrislarcombemusic8445]

Nice video! Thinking about pulling the trigger...

[@thebenderbunker]

Along with the Banjo you'll be a triple threat! I think you'll probably find the Mando easier out of the gate than the Banjo since its just straight picking.

[@_jw_]

Thanks so much for the video. I’ve been thinking about buying a mandolin for a while now and this is exactly what I needed to know. Now I just need to choose which mandolin to get. (bluegrass jingle bells is really fun btw)

[@thebenderbunker]

Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your Mandolin playing.

[@chancegoondavis3986]

What song did you play at the beginning I loved it

[@oldmaterizz4516]

Did you ever found out?

[@chancegoondavis3986]

@@oldmaterizz4516 no sadly

[@GradyElla]

Hey man, I'm very much the same. Been playing guitar for 45 years, been playing mandolin for about four months. I have also found my forearm gets to hurting if I stay on it too long. Don't think I could do a whole set with it, but will probably do some individual songs. One thing I did notice that I wonder if anyone else did. You kinda brushed off the callous thing saying you had formed callouses so it was no big deal. I didn't find that to be the case at all. In fact I stopped playing it for a while because my fingertips were really sore! It was hurting my fingers after playing it to play even on an electric guitar. Now, I have been building up to playing it more but those first few days or weeks? I almost gave it up because my fingers really hurt! Anyway, like you, I'm now addicted to the thing. And we also brought a violin into our house around the same time. Same tuning, different way to make noise, but very transferrable in terms of fingering notes. And it's cool having no fret wires!

[@Antoniolovesjesus]

Ive been playin guitar for about two years. Should I buy a mandolin I really want to learn. But I dont know if it will mess up my guitar playing

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

You won't

[@mlkehailey8934]

Very nice tremolo, this is a problem I have coming from a strum mentality.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

That sounds cool man nice mandolitarin

[@thebenderbunker]

Appreciate it - thanks for watching!

[@MJ-we9vu]

You hooked me at "excellent bathroom instrument." Lol. Thanks for your observations.

[@thebenderbunker]

Forgot about that comment! Thanks for watching.

[@thelibertyworkshop2952]

So what did you spend on this mando ??

[@thebenderbunker]

I believe it was $375.00 - used.

[@pablo6305]

I play acoustic now and have better rythem i think mandolin helping my guitar also.

[@thefreese1]

click click click click. Dude , you need to scalp that fretboard extension... or have a professional scalp it for you .. that oick noise is tremendous ..that from digging in like your on a guitar..

[@mattkaczmarczyk6953]

cool

[@oliverholt8011]

Top quality content, thank you!

[@pablo6305]

I actually thought shapes would be same. Hell no they not. I appreciate your understanding. Its like playing a toilet plunger.lol. thanks.

[@Alynchmusic]

#5 really should have been #2.

[@therandomnessoftheuniverse]

he chased his daughter around playing jingle bells until she begged him to stop lol

[@davidcervantes1543]

Sound a little weird but 😂😂😂😂👍

[@skandabhatta9634]

And one thing... The Mandolin is not just about chords.

[@GuitarJammer]

Skanda Bhatta kinda sounds like his item 4

[@micahthedemonfox1284]

Him: The strings are G D A E, so those chord shapes are useless. Me, a bass player: oh, oh my, oh me oh my!

[@mandolinic]

You can make a lot of money with a mandolin. Just keep playing until someone pays you to stop!

[@zepmanlee8962]

Think backwards on the fattest four guitar strings!

[@SuiGenerisMan]

bathroom instrument? That reminds me to never play my neighbors Manolin again. 🤮

[@micahthedemonfox1284]

Him: The strings are G D A E, so those chord shapes are useless. Me, a bass player: oh, oh my, oh me oh my!

[@micahthedemonfox1284]

Him: The strings are G D A E, so those chord shapes are useless. Me, a bass player: oh, oh my, oh me oh my!

[@nerenahd]

Me too, @;-)

[@nickp440]

i mean...i just glanced at my guitars on the wall and mapped those notes out into a few basic shapes. useful

[@StopFear]

Actually he is incorrect. The chords from guitar aren’t useless. They are just in different position. I don’t know why he didn’t explain.